Trollano lifts Adamson to 68-67 victory over FEU

Trollano lifts Adamson to 68-67 victory over FEU

by rick olivares

Don Trollano hit two pressure-packed free throws with 17.4 seconds left to lift Adamson to a 68-67 win over Far Eastern University at the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena of San Juan.

With star guard Jericho Cruz marked well by FEU’s defense and Roider Cabrera out with a severe ankle injury, Don Trollano drove the crowded lane and was fouled by FEU Tamaraw Terrence Romeo. The second year forward, “the team’s best free throw shooter” as described by Adamson head coach Leo Austria, calmly deposited the two shots.

FEU had an opportunity to take the final shot but Roger Pogoy’s inbound struck the rim and a battle for the loose ball ensued. Romeo got the ball back but his desperation heave from three-point territory was short.

Adamson got a massive lift from 19-year old Cameroonian Ingrid Sewa who was making his Filoil debut. Sewa scored 12 points including nine consecutive points that bridged the third and fourth quarter to give Adamson a 50-44 lead with 9:00 left to play. Harry Petilos and Trollano hit back-to-back triples to give the Falcons a 58-49 lead but the Tamaraws came storming back Romeo who scored 11 points in the last seven minutes. Second year center Anthony Hargrove stuck an undergoal shot after Romeo was blocked to give FEU a 67-66 lead with 34 seconds to play before Trollano’s heroics.

“I’m surprised because I thought before this game we would not play well because of our new players,” said Adamson head coach Leo Austria. “Especially because of Sewa and Donahue. But I am happy to see them play well. There’s a lot of improvement for them. This is a morale booster for them.”

Sewa topscored for Adamson with 12 points on top of grabbing eight rebounds. Veterans Rodney Brondial and Jericho Cruz each scored 10 points.

Romeo scored a game high 21 points for FEU while Hargrove added 11.

Adamson spoiled the Filoil debut of new coach Nash Racela. The Falcons repeatedly attacked FEU’s interior where they were given 30 free throw attempts (making 23). Behind the intimidating Sewa who stands 6’7”, Adamson won the battle of the boards, 47-45.

"He's the key," said an impressed Austria of his African reinforcement.

Adamson 68 - Sewa 12, Brondial 10, Cruz 10, Petilos 9, Trollano 5, Cabrera 5, Rios 3, Iñigo 3, Monteclaro 2, Agustin 2, Cabigas 2, Abrigo 0, Julkipli 0

FEU 67 - Romeo 21, Hargrove 11, Pogoy 7, Garcia 6, Belo 6, Mendoza 5, Escoto 4, Cruz 3, Tolomia 2, Jose 2, Iñigo 0, Luz 0, Delfinado 0.

Quarter scores:

14-12, 36-31, 48-44, 68-67