UAAP: Matthew Erolon’s miracle triple lifts Adamson over UST; La Salle extends surge with fourth straight win

In a night of pure UAAP drama, Adamson University pulled off one of the most stunning comebacks of Season 88 — a 97-96 overtime thriller against the University of Santo Tomas — capped by rookie Matty Erolon’s game-winning three-pointer on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

What looked like a sure UST victory turned into heartbreak in a matter of seconds. The Growling Tigers led 88-80 with just 32.2 ticks left, only to collapse at the free throw line, missing five of six charities that opened the door for Adamson’s late heroics.

Down 86-89 with 9.5 seconds to go, Adamson trapped UST’s Kyle Paranada off an inbound play. Cedrick Manzano and Ray Allen Torres forced a turnover, setting up Monty Montebon’s cold-blooded triple with 1.6 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime — and the arena into a frenzy.

In the extra frame, UST appeared poised to survive after going up 96-94. But Erolon — cool under pressure — launched a step-back three while drawing a foul with 2.6 seconds left, flipping the script entirely. 

Though he missed the bonus free throw, Adamson’s defense held firm to seal an improbable comeback win.

The Soaring Falcons, now on a four-game tear, tied UST at 5-4 and pulled within one game of second-place UP (6-3). Coach Nash Racela credited his team’s composure under chaos, calling it “a testament to our character and never-say-die mindset.”

UST’s foreign big man Collins Akowe posted another double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Mark Llemit chipped in 18 and 10. Forthsky Padrigao and Kyle Paranada added 14 each, but star guard Nic Cabañero struggled all game, shooting just 4-of-14 for 10 points. The Tigers will try to regroup next week when they face the University of the Philippines.

BRAINY BIRDS

The Adamson clawed back to defy the odds and take control from the UST to claim a massive overtime victory in Round 2 of their quest to the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. | via Bettina Dabu/One Sports#UAAPSeason88 #LegendsStartHere pic.twitter.com/4oRlqIS6Yg

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) October 29, 2025

Meanwhile, in the earlier game, De La Salle University continued its quiet climb back into contention with an 84-72 victory over the still-winless University of the East. The Green Archers, who started the season 2-3, have now won four straight to catch UP at 6-3.

Luis Pablo led a balanced DLSU attack with 16 points, while Mike Phillips and Jacob Cortez provided steady contributions of 14 and 12, respectively. 

Despite missing starters Kean Baclaan and Mason Amos due to injuries, the Green Archers controlled the tempo from the second quarter onward — a stark contrast to their nail-biting overtime escape against the same Red Warriors earlier this season.

UE’s Precious Momowei delivered another monster outing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, and two blocks in nearly 38 minutes of play, though his seven turnovers proved costly.

John Abate also scored 20, but most of his damage came early as UE faded late, extending their losing streak to 15 games dating back to last year.

La Salle’s surge, powered by improved ball movement and defensive discipline, now places them squarely in the championship conversation heading into the homestretch of the elimination round.

UE, still searching for its first win, hopes to turn things around when it battles Ateneo de Manila University next Wednesday at the MOA Arena.

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