Former FEU coach Nash Racela gave new Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers a challenging introduction to the UAAP, as Adamson’s Soaring Falcons secured their first Season 87 victory with a 59-47 win at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, September 8.
Royce Mantua, a former UST recruit and FEU high school standout, led the game with 14 points, achieving 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc in just 17 minutes off the bench. Monty Montebon also had a noteworthy performance, scoring 11 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and providing 2 assists.
The game took a decisive turn in the final quarter when Matty Erolon scored 7 of his 10 points during Adamson’s critical 9-2 run, turning a close 46-37 lead into a commanding 18-point advantage, 55-37, with just over four minutes remaining. This surge sealed FEU’s fate, and they could not recover.
The Falcons’ strong finish was in stark contrast to their poor start. Only managing 7 points in the first quarter, Adamson ended with a 25-21 deficit at halftime against the equally-struggling Tamaraws. Coach Racela commented, “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. 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.”
On the opposing side, FEU’s new leader Jorick Bautista scored a game-high 14 points as the only double-digit scorer for the Tamaraws. In his rookie season, VJ Pre contributed 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal over 31 minutes. Chiolo Añonuevo added 5 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block, while rookie Janrey Pasaol also scored 5 points during his 22-minute debut.
Sean Chambers made an interesting impression in his coaching debut by using large placards with faces, symbols, and numbers to communicate plays throughout the game. Despite these innovative tactics, Chambers is still looking for his first UAAP win as a head coach.
Adamson’s victory over FEU marks a significant opening to their Season 87 campaign, showcasing the team’s resilience despite a troubling start. For Sean Chambers, the search for his first UAAP win continues, but his innovative approach on the sidelines has already captured attention.
Source: Rappler