Adamson snaps off early funk, clamps FEU to spoil Sean Chambers’ coaching debut
MANILA, Philippines – It took a former FEU coach to give the new one a rude welcome to the UAAP as Nash Racela’s Adamson Soaring Falcons clamped down Sean Chambers‘ young Tamaraws, 59-47, in the Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, September 8.
Former UST recruit and FEU high school standout Royce Mantua led the low-scoring affair with 14 points on 3-of-5 shooting from deep in just 17 minutes off the bench, while Monty Montebon scored 11 with 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
In just 11 minutes total, spark plug Matty Erolon erupted for 7 of his 10 points in Adamson’s last 9-2 breakaway that transformed a single-digit lead, 46-37, to an 18-point separation, 55-37, with 4:10 left in regulation, that FEU never recovered from down the stretch.
The Falcons’ endgame spurt was a far cry from their horrendous first-half performance, which only saw 7 first quarter points en route to a 25-21 halftime deficit against the equally-frigid Tamaraws.
“Not really surprised that they struggled today because going to the UAAP opening, the last couple of weeks, we’re struggling as a group and it showed especially in the first half where the team didn’t really settle down,” Racela said after the game.
“But, yeah, it’s good that they delivered today because… every contribution that they could give us [helped], not just [Mantua and Erolon], but of course, the rest of the team.”
New FEU leader Jorick Bautista paced the loss with a game-high-tying 14 points as the only double-digit scoring Tamaraw. Rookie standout VJ Pre scattered 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal in 31 minutes.
Do-it-all forward Chiolo Añonuevo added 5 points, 10 boards, 3 steals, and a block, while rookie Janrey Pasaol managed also just 5 points in a 22-minute seniors debut.
Meanwhile, Chambers, who turned heads with unique cardboard cutout cards being raised throughout the game to signal plays, continues his search for a breakthrough UAAP win.
UAAP | WATCH:
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) September 8, 2024
Well, that's new.
First-time head coach and PBA legend Sean Chambers cranks up the innovations in his first UAAP game with the FEU Tamaraws, making use of giant placards with faces, symbols, and numbers to signal plays.#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/7MZ5AUrfnM
The Scores
Adamson 59 – Mantua 14, Montebon 11, Erolon 10, Ojarikre 6, Yerro 6, Fransman 4, Manzano 4, Ramos 3, Barasi 1, Calisay 0, Anabo 0, Alexander 0, Barcelona 0, Ronzone 0, Dignadice 0, Ignacio 0.
FEU 47 – Bautista 14, Pre 8, Añonuevo 5, Pasaol 5, Alforque 4, Daa 4, Nakai 3, Konateh 2, Ona 2, Bagunu 0.
Quarters: 7-14, 21-25, 39-35, 59-47.
– Rappler.com