Matty Erolon drilled a three-pointer with three seconds left to lift Adamson past Far Eastern University, 64-63, in the UAAP Season 84 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Tuesday, April 12.
The Soaring Falcons and the Tamaraws continued to exchange baskets in a low-scoring affair until the FEU backcourt duo of RJ Abarrientos and Ljay Gonzales connived for a late push to gift FEU a two-point lead, 63-61, with 18 seconds left.
With their backs against the wall, Jerom Lastimosa secured Adamson's last possession but struggled to create space from the perimeter area.
Left with no choice after being mobbed by the Tamaraw defense, Lastimosa dished the ball out to the right corner as Erolon hit the game-winning triple with three seconds left.
Cedrick Manzano provided the last key defensive stop for Adamson off an FEU inbound play, tapping the ball away from big man Emmanuel Ojuola as time expired.
"It’s always a nice feeling when you win of course," said Falcons head coach Nash Racela. "Now we know how coach Olsen felt the last time we played against them. We gave everything that we’ve got," recalled the younger Racela after absorbing a 66-65 loss at the hands of the Tamaraws last April 7 courtesy of Abarrientos' clutch three.
Lastimosa, who was all smiles post-match, finished with 17 points built on three triples to go with eight rebounds while Manzano, who shot a perfect 7-of-7 shooting, had 14 points and four rebounds.
Erolon only played for 12 seconds for the Falcons, who improved to a 2-6 record, but chalked up five points highlighted by the game-winning trey.
Adamson not only ended its five-game skid this season but also broke free of its seven straight losses against FEU. Per league statistician Pong Ducanes, the last time the Falcons defeated the Tamaraws in the UAAP was November 6, 2016, 61-59.
With less than three minutes to work on, Abarrientos easily found Ojuola in the paint for an easy basket, 60-59, in response to Joem Sabandal's triple off a Lastimosa assist.
Sabandal then connected with Manzano for another Adamson go-ahead basket, 61-60, before Abarrientos and Gonzales zoomed coast-to-coast for the fastbreak play with 44.5 ticks to go.
In the last 18 seconds, Gonzales split his shot from the free throw line as Lastimosa orchestrated the last Adamson play for the win.
The game could have extended to an overtime were it not for that one costly free throw miss.
Gonzales paced the Tamaraws, who fell to a 3-5 slate, with 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Abarrientos chalked up 15 points, four assists, and four rebounds while Ojuola posted 13 points and 17 rebounds.