Adamson University’s Jarl Artango goes for a layup during the game against Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 88 boys basketball tournament at the Filoil Centre in San Juan on Thursday (Jan. 29, 2026). The Baby Falcons won, 77-73. (UAAP photo)
Adamson University handed Ateneo de Manila University its first loss of the season after grinding out a tense 77-73 victory on Thursday in the UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball tournament at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The Baby Falcons showed composure down the stretch as Chrys Gomez knocked down a crucial jumper to put Adamson ahead, 76-73, with under two minutes remaining. Jarl Artango then iced the game at the line, splitting his free throws to seal one of the biggest wins of Adamson’s campaign.
Head coach Mike Fermin said the upset was built on discipline, maturity, and an aggressive mindset that never wavered despite facing an unbeaten opponent.
“The game plan today was to limit their import, so it’s still 27-27. Our only backup plan was to try to limit their other players, and we were able to do it,” Fermin said. “Offensively, I just said attack, attack, attack always.”
He added that the win reflected the team’s growing belief and urgency. “This win really comes with maturity. We’re just pounding them and instilling in them that every game or every training, you treat this like your last. We always just think, we’re not in the top four now. That’s what fuels us to be better.”
Artango led Adamson with a strong all-around performance, finishing with 24 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Gomez backed him up with 13 points and five steals, while Noah Bautista added 10 points, five rebounds, and three blocks. Mac Jenodia and Fran Flores chipped in eight points apiece as Adamson improved to 3-3.
Ateneo leaned heavily on Jude Eriobu, who delivered a massive 27-point, 27-rebound outing to go along with four blocks, but the Blue Eagles fell just short in the closing moments. Noah Banal and Ziv Espinas scored 11 points each, while Jay-M Leal contributed nine points, five assists, and four rebounds.
In the day’s other matchup, Far Eastern University-Diliman continued its surge, demolishing De La Salle Zobel, 79-61, to notch its fourth straight win. Cabs Cabonilas powered the Baby Tamaraws with 21 points, five rebounds, and two blocks, while Marc Burgos and JB Cagurungan each scored 11 points.
FEU-D and Ateneo now share the top spot in the standings with identical 5-1 records, while Adamson’s statement win keeps it firmly in the hunt midway through the season.