Baby Falcons stop losing skid

Adamson University snapped its three-game losing streak with a commanding fourth-quarter performance, pulling away from the University of the Philippines (UP), 99-83, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 boys’ 16U basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With both teams entering the matchup carrying identical 2-9 records, Adamson improved to 3-9 to claim solo possession of sixth place.

Meanwhile, UP continued to struggle, absorbing its sixth consecutive defeat to fall to 2-10 with just two games remaining in its schedule.

After a tightly contested first three quarters that featured eight lead changes and four deadlocks, the Baby Falcons broke away in the final frame, outscoring UP, 30-21, behind Kobe Endrada’s 20-point performance, which included four assists and six three-pointers.

“Actually, from the very start, we wanted to get a big lead. But I feel like the kids were a bit overeager, and we still had 23 turnover. But the hard work started in the first quarter,” said Adamson head coach Dante Tangco. “The kids really worked hard this whole week just to prepare for this because we know we only have three games to go.”

“If we can, we want to win all three, and it started today.”

The Baby Falcons began creating separation late in the third quarter, putting together a 7-0 run capped by Dwayne Cads’ inside finish to establish a 68-61 advantage.

Adamson carried that momentum into the final period, with Henri Subido and Endrada knocking down back-to-back triples to stretch the lead to 13, 82-69.

UP struggled to keep pace down the stretch, allowing Endrada to capitalize with another three-pointer that extended Adamson’s advantage to 16, 87-71, with 4:53 remaining.

The Baby Falcons continued to pile on the pressure in the closing minutes, with Endrada draining his sixth triple of the game to help preserve their commanding lead and seal the victory.

With only two games left in the season, Tangco stressed that his squad remained determined to finish the campaign on a strong note, regardless of its position in the standings.