UAAP: Adamson nabs third win, piles on UE’s woes

MANILA (UPDATED) — Adamson University rose to a share of third place in the league standings after taking a 71-64 win over the University of the East on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The result improved the Soaring Falcons’ record to 3-2, putting them in a tie with defending champion De La Salle University at third place.

Ray Allen Torres paced the Soaring Falcons with 17 points built on three three-pointers.

Adamson’s Ray Allen Torres in action against UE in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament, October 11, 2026 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP MediaMeanwhile, it was another sorry result for the Red Warriors who have now dropped to 0-6 in the tournament. They have now lost 26 straight games dating back to Season 87 in 2024; another defeat will match the league’s second-longest losing streak.

The UP Fighting Maroons lost 27 straight games from Seasons 75 to 77 (2012-14).

It was far from a straightforward win for Adamson, as the Soaring Falcons managed just three points in a horrid third quarter to see a 22-point advantage trimmed to just eight, 57-49, heading into the final frame. 

A 6-0 burst to open the fourth quarter put Adamson back in control, 63-49, and they held off the Red Warriors from there. 

“We weren’t really surprised with how UE played in the second half because I always remind my players that UE is also due for a win. They’ve been playing a lot better the last three games… So I’m really challenging our players to do a lot better,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.

“I think we played really really soft in the third… Wala umatras na lang ako. I didn’t coach them in the fourth quarter. Alam naman nila ‘yung dapat gawin and they responded positively,” he added.

Nigerian big man Precious Jonah added 14 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and one block for Adamson, while Matt Erolon finished with 12 points, all in the first half.

The Soaring Falcons will now close the first round with meetings against the finalists from the past three seasons. They will face the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum before battling the De La Salle Green Archers next Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Sophomore Tope Lagat remained a bright spot for the struggling Red Warriors, posting 22 points, four rebounds, two steals, and one block in the loss.

The Red Warriors will close out the first round against UP on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

AdU 71 — Torres 17, Jonah 14, Erolon 12, Medina 11, Montebon 10, Anabo 6, Cañete 1, Edding 0, Mangaron 0, Pacquiao 0, Tumaneng 0, Demisana 0, Perez 0, Cruz-Dumont 0.

UE 64 — Lagat 22, Robles 12, Jimenez 6, Edoukou 5, Tañedo 4, Vasquez, Cruz-Dumont 4, Dungca 4, Sabroso 2, Javier 2, Carillo 0, Santos 0.

Quarterscores: 24-14, 54-32, 57-49, 71-64.