UAAP 74: Falcons soar over Tamaraws, 78-59

Adamson got its game going early to defeat Far Eastern University, 78-59, for its first victory in the 74th UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum Saturday. Alex Nuyles led the Falcons' early attack scoring 10 of his 16 first half points in the first quarter en route to 22 markers. He went 7-of-17 from the floor and was one point short of his career high. The win erased the bitter memory of the Falcons' 55-51 loss to defending champion Ateneo last Sunday. Adamson was up by seven, 51-44, in that game but went scoreless in the final seven minutes of play allowing the Blue Eagles to escape with the victory. Adamson coach Leo Austria said that losing to Ateneo inspired them to work harder. "We won because of our defense and forced (FEU) to commit a lot of turnovers." Nuyles even scored 10 straight to give the Falcons a 16-7 spread with three minutes and 30 seconds to go in the opening period. Last season's Most Valuable Player (MVP) RR Garcia finished with 20 points and even scored a three-point play in the 7:45 mark of the fourth period to move FEU within four, 60-56. But Jerick Canada, Eric Camson and Janus Lozada scored baskets to keep FEU at bay. Camson added 12 points and 10 rebounds. Lozada, Colina and Kenyan center Austin Manyara combined for 22 markers. Manyara also grabbed seven rebounds and blocked three shots in 25 minutes as a starter. FEU coach Bert Flores said Adamson outhustled them as the Falcons enjoyed a 45-32 edge in rebounds. "We can't execute our fastbreak plays if we don't grab those rebound," said Flores in Filipino. Aldrech Ramos scored 14 and had six rebounds for FEU, while JR Cawaling tallied 11 points for the Tamaraws, who failed to duplicate their 74-65 win over the La Salle Green Archers last Sunday. - Reuben Terrado/JVP, GMA News