By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Former Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix superstar center Cedrick Manzano poured in one of his best performances for the Adamson Soaring Falcons and helped them notch an 83-71 win against Lyceum in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
Known to be a savvy post-scorer since his days with the Red Phoenix, Manzano showed his new offensive bag and finished the game with 15 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks.
The Soaring Falcons immediately went to Manzano at the post and the big man didn’t disappoint after scoring early baskets underneath to spark the Adamson offensive run.
From baseline drives to isolation plays in the block, Manzano went to work and paid off the trust the Adamson coaching staff gave him.
Joshua Yerro backstopped Manzano with 15 points, four assists, and three rebounds including a stellar 3/5 shooting from the three-point range.
Every time Lyceum made a run, Manzano and Yerro were always there to answer for Adamson to keep their double-digit lead.
Adamson blew the game wide-open during the third quarter after their waxing hot offense that piled up their quarter scoring to 30 big points.
It was Yerro who starred in that third frame after dropping 11 points in just 10 minutes that built their lead to as much as 20 points, 62-42.
With the win, the Soaring Falcons are now moving on to the tournament semifinals and will await the winner between the National University and San Sebastian.
