Adamson University Edges UST to Halt Four-Game Losing Streak in UAAP Season 88 Juniors Basketball

MANILA — Adamson University’s Baby Falcons secured a vital 87-76 victory over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Cubs in the UAAP Season 88 juniors basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on October 25, 2025. This win snapped UST’s four-game winning streak and avenged an earlier one-point loss to the Tiger Cubs.

Fran Flores led Adamson with an impressive stat line of 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. Supporting Flores, Edison Jordan contributed 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Seb Esma delivered 15 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Keefy Iledan also had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, helping Adamson tie with UST for third place in the standings at 6-3.

The Baby Falcons took a narrow 36-34 lead into halftime and extended their advantage to 66-52 by the end of the third quarter, powered by consistent efforts from Vengcs Vengco, Edison Jordan, Keefy Iledan, Fran Flores, Seb Esma, and Majiq Padrejuan. Flores then cemented the lead with consecutive layups, while Uno Del Monte’s three-pointer pushed the margin to 77-58 with 6:37 remaining.

Adamson head coach Dante Tengco praised his team’s mental fortitude, stating, "All throughout the week, after that game, we always had to instill in them — 'one point, one point.' We don’t want that again. Even if we won by one point, it’s fine as long as we say that we’re not supposed to lose this time. The boys became men today and really answered the call, so thank you for that."

For UST, CJ Tabbuga was the top scorer with 26 points, along with five rebounds, four steals, and two assists. Rowie Cabañero added 15 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, and four steals, while Gab Castro chipped in 12 points and nine rebounds.

In another close contest, the University of the East (UE) narrowly defeated De La Salle Zobel 72-69. Mark Perdigon’s late three-pointer gave UE a 70-66 lead with under 30 seconds left. Although Lorenzo Purugganan responded with a three for DLSZ, Austin Delos Santos sealed the game with two free throws.

UE’s Goodluck Okebata led all scorers with 26 points and 14 rebounds, coupled with two assists, two steals, and two blocks. Delos Santos also contributed 13 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals, while Perdigon recorded 12 points and added defensive presence with three blocks.

Despite the loss, Purugganan scored 26 points alongside three assists and three steals for the Junior Archers, who remain winless. Jullian Pangan posted a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Isaac Purugganan managed 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Looking ahead, Adamson will face FEU-Diliman at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, with De La Salle Zobel taking on National University-Nazareth School at 9:30 a.m.