Adamson’s Janus Lozada (left) and La Salle’s Joshua Webb tumble after going for the loose ball during their game in the UAAP on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum. The Falcons stunned the Archers, 61-55. (BOB DUNGO JR.)

Adamson is choker no more.

The Falcons prevented what could have been another major collapse as they willed their way to a pulsating 61-55 win over the La Salle Archers in the 72nd UAAP basketball tournament on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Touted as the heartbreak team in the first round after suffering so many last-second defeats, the Falcons played consistently all throughout, with their air-tight defense throwing La Salle’s big guns out of their comfort zones.

"One good thing na nangyari ay hindi sila gumive-up dahil in spite of our successive losses, gusto talaga nilang bumawi," said Adamson coach Leo Austria, whose team lost by an average of 4.2 points in the first round which they finished with a 1-6 record.

The Adamson win came before defending champion Ateneo spanked University of the East anew, 80-75.

Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who sprained his ankle last Sunday, frolicked for 30 points to lead the Eagles to their seventh win in eight games and the top spot in the standings.

Sophomore forward Nico Salva and Jai Reyes supported Al-Hussaini's brilliant showing notching 12 and 11 points, respectively.

The Warriors absorbed their fourth loss in eight outings.

The scores:
First Game
ADAMSON 61 – Colina 14, Nuyles 10, Canuday 9, Alvarez 8, Camson 6, Margallo 5, Lozada 5, Galinato 2, Canada 2, Penalosa 0, Cabrera 0, Basillio 0.
LA SALLE 55 – Mangahas 12, Barua 9, Tolentino 7, Malabes 7, Atkins 5, Co 4, Webb 3, Marata 3, Mendoza 2, Bringas 2, Andrada 1, Villanueva 0, Ferdinand 0, Bagatsing 0.
Quarters: 20-9; 30-23; 48-34; 61-55.

Second Game
ATENEO 80 – Al-Hussaini 30, Salva 12, Reyes 11, Salamat 6, Long 5, Buenafe 5, Baclao 4, Monfort 3, Sumalinog 2, Austria 2, Golla 0, Chua 0.
UE 75 – Espiritu 20, Lee 20, Zamar 10, Lingganay 9, Acuna 9, Duran 3,Tagarda 2, Reyes 2, Sumido 0, Bandaying 0, Ayala 0, Alabanza 0, Acibar 0.
Quarters: 19-21, 48-30, 58-43, 80-75.