Rookie Matty Erolon shot Adamson University out of its five-game funk at the expense of Far Eastern University, 64-63, in the UAAP Season 84 men's basketball tournament, Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Trailing by two points with 10 seconds left, 61-63, Jerom Lastimosa received the ball at the top of the key, penetrated to the basket, and at the last second passed to Erolon. who drilled the go-ahead triple.
Off a timeout, Tamaraw Xyrus Torres inbounded the ball to Emman Ojuola who was in the paint but the pass was deflected by Cedrick Manzano as time expired.
“It’s always a nice feeling when you win of course,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.
“Now we know how coach Olsen felt that last time we played them. We gave everything that we’ve got," recalling the 66-65 loss the Soaring Falcons received from the Tamaraws last April 7.
Erolon only played 12 seconds in the contest but still finished with five points -- including the winner.
Lastimosa registered 17 points and eight rebounds, while Erolon, who played just 12 seconds, was a bucket with five points.
Manzano had a field day with 14 points on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting clip, to go with four rebounds and a block, all while guarding Ojuola most of the time.
Already without Lenda Douanga due to an ankle injury, the Soaring Falcons also lost Joshua Yerro at the 1:51 mark of the third frame to a left ankle injury as well.
Adamson improved to 2-6, still at seventh, while FEU slid to 3-5 to remain at fifth.
The Tamaraws were paced by L-jay Gonzales with 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Ojuola posted 13 points and 17 rebounds against six turnovers.
FEU will battle the red-hot University of the Philippines next on Tuesday at 10 am, while Adamson will collide with National University later that day at 7 pm.
The Scores:
Adamson 64 -- Lastimosa 17, Manzano 14, Peromingan 9, Zaldivar 6, Sabandal 5, Erolon 5, Yerro 2, Barasi 2, Hanapi 2, Colonia 2, Magbuhos 0, Maata 0.
FEU 63 -- Gonzales 20, Abarrientos 15, Ojuola 13, Torres 8, Tempra 5, Bienes 2, Alforque 0, Sleat 0, Sajonia 0, Celzo 0, Sandagon 0.
Quarterscores: 21-12, 38-34, 50-50, 64-63. (Dennis Lachica, Sportsmanila Photojournalist)