MANILA – De La Salle University leaned on a late-game surge and a double-double from Michael Phillips to fend off a gritty Adamson University side, eking out a narrow 60-58 escape in their UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball opener on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Green Archers, who nearly squandered a slim lead in the closing minutes, turned to Jacob Cortez and Mason Amos in the clutch. Cortez buried back-to-back layups to erase a 53-56 deficit before Amos drilled a dagger triple with just seven seconds left to widen the gap to 60-56.
Phillips anchored La Salle with 17 points and 16 rebounds, while Cortez added 16 markers as the Archers secured their first win of the season.
Down the stretch, Adamson had its chances but failed to convert. Cedrick Manzano paced the Falcons with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Matthew Erolon chipped in 10. The Falcons slipped to a 0-1 start.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University survived a furious Far Eastern University rally with an 86-83 overtime victory. Jared Bahay and one-and-done recruit Kymani Ladi combined for the Blue Eagles’ late heroics, with Bahay hitting back-to-back triples to tie the game before Ladi delivered the go-ahead layup and dagger three.
Bahay finished with 13 points, five assists, four steals, and three rebounds, while Ladi led Ateneo with 26 points and nine rebounds. Dom Escobar also chipped in 16 markers.
For FEU, Jorick Bautista and Janrey Pasaol each tallied 24 points, while Mo Konateh dominated the boards with 23 rebounds on top of 11 points, but their efforts fell short in the extra period./PN
