Jerom Lastimosa took charge in the first half as Adamson pulled away for good against University of the East, 82-66, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 84 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Tuesday, March 29.

After taking a commanding 18-point lead after halftime, 50-32, the Soaring Falcons showed their fiery form anew and uncorked a 9-0 run capped by a Joshua Yerro three-pointer to pull away for good with a comfortable 27-point cushion, 59-32, with still less than seven minutes to play in the third period.
Lastimosa displayed consistent basketball in response to coach Nash Racela’s request last game and went perfect from the field in the first half, scoring 14 points on a flawless 4-of-4 shooting including two triples to go with two rebounds, two assists, and one block.
The 5-foot-10 Adamson guard, who scored 11 of his 14 points in the first quarter alone, however, suited up for only four minutes in the next half as the supporting cast finished the job against the hapless UE side.
Keith Zalvidar contributed 11 points on top of three triples, two rebounds, and two assists, Jose Manuel Sabandal added eight points and four assists, big man Lenda Douanga scored eight points with eight rebounds, and Arthur Calisay had eight points and four rebounds.
Joaquin Jaymalin, Yerro, and Cedrick Manzano also got seven points each for Adamson.
"Slowly, the things we've emphasized on medyo naco-correct at gumaganda (The things we've addressed are slowly being corrected and cleaned up)," said Racela. "So again, it's a process as long as we take the right steps towards the right direction then it will be good."
Kris Harvey Pagsanjan topscored for the Red Warriors with 17 points, eight rebounds, and one assist while Aurin Catacutan chipped in 12 points and four rebounds.
Adamson improved to a 1-1 record as Racela earned his first of the season as well while UE fell to a 0-2 slate.
The Soaring Falcons will next face reigning champions Ateneo Blue Eagles on Thursday, March 31 at the 10 a.m. curtain-raiser while the Red Warriors will clash with the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers to cap off the quadruple-header at 7 p.m.
At press time, Ateneo (1-0) is battling it out with the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (1-0)
The Scores:
ADAMSON 82 -- Lastimosa 14, Zaldivar 11, Sabandal 8, Douanga 8, Calisay 8, Jaymalin 7, Yerro 7, Manzano 7, Erolon 5, Hanapi 4, Magbuhos 2, Barasi 1, Colonia 0, Peromingan 0, Fuentebella 0, Maata 0.
UE 66 -- Pagsanjan 17, Catacutan 12, N. Paranada 7, Escamis 6, Sawat 5, Lorenzana 4, Abatayo 4, Tulabut 3, Antiporda 2, Beltran 2, Je. Cruz 2, Villanueva 2, Chan 0, K. Paranada 0, Pascual 0.
Quarters: 32-12, 50-32, 76-42, 82-66.