UAAP: Montebon stars as Adamson overwhelms UST

MANILA (UPDATED) — Adamson University found its footing early to overwhelm University of Santo Tomas, 85-57, in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Matthew Montebon fired 21 points as the Soaring Falcons claimed their second victory in three outings, and their third straight over the Growling Tigers dating back to UAAP Season 88 in 2025.

“I’m just proud of the team,” said Montebon, who also had seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals. “UST’s a very talented team, so it was just up to us to execute.”

Also starring was Matt Erolon, who fired 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Earl Medina added 11 points, four rebounds, and two steals to help Adamson build a lead of as many as 28.

It was Montebon, however, who powered the Falcons’ second-quarter breakaway, spearheading a 12-to-4 surge to end the first half with a 13-point lead.

UST inched closer late in the third period, getting as close as 11 at 50-39, before Montebon and Erolon quickly answered with baskets early in the final period to help Adamson push its lead back above 20.

Collins Akowe led the Tigers with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and two assists, but also committed five turnovers, while Amiel Acido chipped in 11 points for UST, which shot just 20-of-63 (31.7%) from the field.

Adamson 85 — Montebon 21, Erolon 17, Medina 11, Tumaneng 6, Torres 5, Jonah 5, Fransman 4, Anabo 4, Edding 3, Mangaron 3, Demisana 3, Perez 3, Cruz-Dumont 0, Cañete 0, Pacquiao 0. 

UST 57 — Akowe 19, Acido 11, Buenaflor 9, Sevilla 5, Jumawan 4, Danting 3, Alao 2, Llemit 2, Esteban 2, Porter 0, Chio 0, Bucsit 0, Manding 0, Cañete 0. 

Quarterscores: 19-12, 36-23, 54-39, 85-57.