UST FALLS SHORT AGAINST ADAMSON IN ROUND 2 ENCOUNTER

By: Miguel Marco

The Strong Group-backed UST Tiger Cubs fought valiantly but fell short against the Adamson Baby Falcons, 76-87, in the UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Saturday morning, October 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With the defeat, UST now shares an identical 6-3 record with Adamson as both teams continue their race for Final Four positioning.

CJ Tabbuga carried the fight for UST with a season-high 26 points alongside five rebounds, while team captain Rowie Cabañero nearly posted a triple-double with 15 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists.

The Tiger Cubs opened strong, but a flurry of turnovers allowed Adamson to take control late in the first quarter. The Baby Falcons unleashed a 13-3 run led by Edison Jordan to grab a 23-15 advantage after the opening frame.

UST regrouped in the second quarter, answering with a fiery 19-10 surge capped by a Dats Datu triple to momentarily reclaim the lead, 34-33. However, Adamson’s Seb Esma responded from deep to give the Baby Falcons a slim 36-34 cushion at halftime.

Momentum swung back to Adamson in the third period as Vengs Vengco powered an 11-3 spurt that widened the gap to double digits heading into the final quarter, 65-52.

The Tiger Cubs continued to battle, with Tabbuga igniting a late rally through three straight triples, trimming the deficit to single digits. But despite UST’s fighting spirit, Adamson’s hot shooting, capped by an Uno Del Monte three-pointer, proved too much to overcome.

The Tiger Cubs will aim to bounce back and strengthen their Final Four bid when they face the UP Integrated School on Wednesday, November 5, at 9:30 a.m., still at the Mall of Asia Arena.