UAAP: Adamson stuns host FEU in Season 89 opener

Adamson’s Monty Montebon celebrates during a game against FEU in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Adamson dampened host Far Eastern University’s festive spirit after pulling out a 56-53 win in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball opener on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum.

The Falcons went on a 15-0 surge midway through the fourth quarter to erase a 13-point deficit before holding off the Tamaraws in the final minute.

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“At some point in that game, we were really kind of lost,” admitted coach Nash Racela in Filipino.

“Fortunately, somehow, in some way, we got the win. We recovered and the games of these kids really showed up.”

Monty Montebon top-scored for Adamson with 18 points, while Mat Edding added 10. Precious Jonah tallied eight points and 11 rebounds for the Falcons, who are eyeing a Final Four return after a seventh-place finish last season.

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The Tamaraws, who have high expectations coming into the season, had a chance to send the game into overtime but Kirby Mongcopa missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer as time ran out.

Reigning league MVP Janrey Pasaol was limited to 11 points as rookie Cabs Cabonillas picked up the slack with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

FEU had its chances. Pasaol’s basket put the Tamaraws in a comfortable position, 46-33, with under a minute left in the third period. After the Falcons came back and took the lead, Cabonillas buried a triple to pull the Tams ahead, 51-50, with 3:42 remaining.

Adamson guard Matt Erolon set the final count with a short stab with 1:32 to go.