Falcons defeat Tigers for entry into final 4 of UAAP Season 81

FILE: Sean Manganti led the San Marcelino-based squad with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. (Photo: Jim De Ramos/Facebook)

The Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons flew into the Final Four of the 81st season of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) as they defeated the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 96-83, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Wednesday, November 7.

Sean Manganti led the San Marcelino-based squad with 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while teammates Simon Camacho and Jerrick Ahanmisi helped with 15 and 13 points respectively. For team black and gold, Renzo Subido scored the most at 21 points, followed by Marvin Lee at 18 points and CJ Cansino at 17 points. For rookie Cansino, his performance took a turn when he was taken out at the last 4:16 of the game due to an ankle injury. He was only able to return at the last two minutes of the game.

UST was in the lead at 40-39 in the first half, but Adamson exploded during the third quarter with a 15-0 run. Their opponents tried to make a comeback at the last ten minutes of the game, but AdU still upped their 25-run at one point. Adamson head coach Franz Pumaren evaluated his team’s performance saying, “If you look at the game, we were playing tight in the first half. But when we settled down with our regular rotation, we were able to dispose of a very good team.”

In addition, Coach Franz reported the team is “happy reaching the final four, but they’ve been doing it for the past few years.” Coach Franz elaborated that what he wants is for his players to learn how to finish strong for the rest of the season. Mangati added, “There’s a higher goal in place.”

The next time the UST Growling Tigers will get their shot at the final four is against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons on November 10 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. On the same day and venue, the Adamson Soaring Falcons will be playing one of their last games for the elimination round against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors.