Adamson dominates Benilde, rules Cebu City inter-colleguate hoops

Sports

IN THE biggest stage, the Adamson University Falcons showed they were the better team.

The Falcons copped the 2025 Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament after scoring a vengeful 71-61 win over the College of St. Benilde Blazers in their championship match on Monday night, August 25, at the packed Cebu City Sports Institute in Barangay Sawang Calero.

The Falcons scored some measure of revenge, avenging their 62-69 loss to the Blazers in the elimination round on their way to snagging their second straight pocket tournament in a span of two months.

“In our first meeting, our shots simply didn’t fall. Tonight, our shots fell and we played better defense,” Adamson head coach Nash Racela said in a post-game interview.

Three players scored in double figures for the Falcons, who banked on a balanced attack to win another championship after ruling the 2025 Mayor Kirk Asis Open Basketball Tournament last June in Bayugan City.

Adjudged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Cedrick Manzano led the Falcons with 16 points and hauled down 10 rebounds. Ray Allen Torres added 14 points and Matthew Montebon had 12 as the trio helped Adamson lead after each quarter of the 40-minute skirmish.

Oli Matthew was the lone player to score in double figures for the Charles Tiu-coached Blazers with 12.

In the battle for third, the University of Perpetual Help Altas demolished the University of San Carlos Warriors, 96-48.

Patrick Sleat was the only Alta to score in twin digits with 11 points but he had 11 teammates scoring at least six points in a dominant offensive showing by the Olsen Racela-coached squad.

Kyle Maglinte paced the Warriors with 17 points.(CCM)