Members of the Adamson Baby Falcons
The imposing presence of six-foot-two forward Adrian Manlapaz in the shaded area made a big difference for the Adamson Falcons on Saturday afternoon at the Arena in San Juan.
The 16-year old Manlapaz forced crucial turnovers in the second and third periods, and the scoring opportunities he helped create lifted the Baby Falcons to an 83-65 stopping of the University of the East Junior Warriors.
Adam Doria showed the way with 18 points for the Baby Falcons, who went on to post their third win in six games in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines Junior Basketball Tournament.
The Baby Falcons got off to a slow start, first relying on penetrations by Paolo Sevilla and Jose Sebandal to move away from a 13-all deadlock, and into an 18-13 edge at the end of the first period.
Manlapaz, who only had eight points, pulled down nine rebounds, a steal and four blocks.
“Medyo nagkulang ako sa first. Pero bumawi ako sa second and third,” said Manlapaz.
He forced the Junior Warriors to numerous turnovers in the second period, setting up Doria for a basket, and Jun Baculio for a triple during an 8-1 blast.
Their baskets in the last 8:02, and this handed Adamson a 26-14 spread early in the quarter.
Three turnovers in the start of the third period, allowed Doria to score five times, and lift the Baby Falcons to an 18-point edge, 50-32, with 6:28 left.
“Dumiin kami sa defense. We were pressing the ball and challenging the passes. And we got lots of turnover points from there,” said Baby Falcons Mike Fermin.
The Baby Falcons now share fourth place with the defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws, who got 15 points from LJ Gonzales in pummeling University of the Philippines Integrated School, 90-63.
The Ateneo Blue Eaglets, led by SJ Belangel with 14 points, swamped the Nazareth School-National University Bullpups, 64-49, to stay unbeaten after six games.
Terrence Fortea shot 9 points for the Bullpups, who dropped to second spot with their 5-1 slate.
John Cansino made 23 points for the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs as they won over La Salle Zobel, 83-72, and improve in third at 4-2.
