Adamson University’s Fran Flores goes for a layup during the game against the University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 juniors’ basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia on Saturday (Oct. 25, 2025). The Baby Falcons won, 87-76. (UAAP photo)
Adamson University exacted revenge on University of Santo Tomas, pulling off an 87-76 victory in the UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball tournament on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Fran Flores led the charge for the Baby Falcons with an all-around performance of 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks — powering Adamson to snap UST’s four-game winning streak and avenge their heartbreaking 86-87 defeat from the first round on October 18.
Edison Jordan provided steady support with 17 points, six rebounds, and two steals, while Seb Esma added 15 points, seven boards, and three assists. Keefy Iledan also came through with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds as Adamson climbed to 6-3, tying UST for third place.
The Baby Falcons took a slim 36-34 edge at halftime before catching fire in the third quarter. With contributions from Vengcs Vengco, Jordan, Iledan, Flores, Esma, and Majiq Padrejuan, Adamson stretched its lead to 66-52 entering the final frame.
Flores opened the fourth with consecutive layups, and Uno Del Monte drained a triple to give Adamson its largest lead at 77-58 with 6:37 left — a cushion they never relinquished.
“All week, we reminded the boys — ‘one point, one point,’” said head coach Dante Tengco, recalling their previous narrow loss. “We didn’t want a repeat of that. Even if it’s just by one, the goal was to make sure we win this time. The boys became men today.”
CJ Tabbuga kept UST afloat with 26 points, five rebounds, four steals, and two assists, while Rowie Cabañero nearly posted a triple-double with 15 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, and four steals. Gab Castro added 12 points and nine rebounds in the loss.
In the earlier game, the University of the East eked out a 72-69 thriller over De La Salle Zobel to seize solo fourth place at 5-4.
With 25.8 seconds left, Mark Perdigon hit a clutch three-pointer to give UE a 70-66 lead. DLSZ’s Lorenzo Purugganan answered with his own triple to trim the deficit to one, 70-69, but Austin Delos Santos calmly sank two free throws for a 72-69 buffer. The Junior Archers had a final chance but failed to convert as time expired.
Goodluck Okebata powered UE with 26 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks, while Delos Santos tallied 13 points and six assists. Perdigon chipped in 12 points, four assists, and three blocks in the win.
Purugganan starred for DLSZ with 26 points, three assists, and three steals, while Jullian Pangan added 21 points and 11 rebounds. Isaac Purugganan contributed 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a losing effort.
Up next, Adamson faces FEU-Diliman at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, followed by DLSZ taking on National University–Nazareth School at 9:30 a.m.