Adamson Extends UE’s Skid Despite Lagat’s Scoring Surge

Tope Lagat scored 22 points against Adamson, continuing his breakout campaign despite UE suffering another UAAP Season 89 defeat. The Red Warriors absorbed their 26th consecutive loss, moving within one defeat of another unwanted Final Four-era mark.

Lagat Keeps Producing Despite UE Losing Streak

Joaquin Cortez of Tiebreaker Times chronicled Lagat’s continued emergence despite another difficult result for the Red Warriors. The sophomore guard finished with 22 points and two steals as UE suffered its sixth consecutive Season 89 defeat.

Lagat remained focused on helping UE secure its first victory rather than emphasizing his individual production during the campaign. His latest performance followed several productive outings that established him among Season 89’s leading scorers through six appearances.

“Makatulong lang ako sa team ko. As long as matulungan ko ang team ko, focus lang kami on getting that first win talaga,” Lagat said.

Image from: Tiebreaker Times

Season 89 Scoring Jumps From Rookie Campaign

Lagat averaged 6.77 points, 1.46 rebounds, and 0.31 assists across 13 appearances during his Season 88 rookie campaign. He entered the Adamson matchup averaging 19.6 points, nearly tripling his scoring average from his first collegiate season.

Turnovers and Rebounding Continue Hurting UE

Adamson finished with a 45-27 rebounding advantage, creating an 18-board difference during UE’s latest defeat of Season 89. The Soaring Falcons also produced 12 second-chance points, while the Red Warriors managed only one from additional opportunities.

Lagat specifically identified second-chance scoring and a crucial late turnover when discussing where UE fell short against Adamson. His assessment focused on possessions that could have reduced the deficit during important stages of the contest.

“‘Yung second-chance points, ‘yung crucial turnover namin in the last minutes. We could have converted sana to cut the leads to shorter leads. Siguro, ‘yung turnover talaga ‘yung what fell short,” he said.

Adamson Wins Rebounding Battle by 18

Adamson’s 45 rebounds exceeded UE’s total by 18, accompanying an 11-point advantage in second-chance scoring during the game. Those figures supported Lagat’s postgame assessment regarding missed opportunities and costly possessions during another close stretch for UE.

Lagat Develops Into UAAP Season 89 Scoring Leader

Lagat entered UE’s sixth assignment averaging a league-leading 19.6 points through his first five games of Season 89. His early run included a 30-point performance against De La Salle, where he converted 11 of 17 attempts.

The Pangasinan guard also scored 22 points against UST after recording 20 points and five rebounds against FEU. Those performances followed a rookie campaign where Lagat averaged fewer than seven points across his 13 appearances.

Coaching Trust Expands Sophomore Guard’s Role

Lagat credited greater opportunities and confidence from UE’s coaching staff for his increased responsibility during his second collegiate season. He also described accepting responsibility for providing his contribution while continuing to pursue the team’s first victory.

“I think I was given a chance lang by our coaches and ‘yung trust ng coaches sa akin,” he said.

“I’m taking responsibility na ibibigay ko lang ‘yung part ko para matulungan ko ‘yung team ko para manalo.”

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Hubalde Keeps Red Warriors Focused Through Difficult Run

New head coach Paulo Hubalde took charge of a UE program carrying a losing streak across multiple UAAP seasons. Lagat credited Hubalde with supporting the players while maintaining their confidence throughout another difficult start to the campaign.

The sophomore guard also described Hubalde’s continued assistance beyond games, highlighting his influence both on and off the court. Lagat expressed appreciation that Hubalde accepted responsibility for guiding UE while the program searches for a breakthrough victory.

“Siyempre, super grateful kami na Coach Pau is our head coach. Maraming natutulong si Coach Pau; he boosts our confidence, on-and-off the court lagi niya kaming tinutulungan,” Lagat said.

“Sobrang happy lang kami kasi he still chose us.”

Daily Improvement Remains UE’s Message

Lagat said Hubalde consistently pushes UE’s players to maintain their confidence while pursuing daily improvement during practices and games. The Red Warriors remain focused on securing their first victory while continuing the developmental work emphasized by their new coach.

“Every single time, trainings or games, talagang pinu-push lang kami ni Coach Pau to just keep our heads up, keep on fighting as long as we are improving every single day,” he said.

“As long as makuha namin at magawa namin ang best namin to get that first win, we’ll do it.”

UE Approaches Unwanted UAAP Losing-Streak Mark

UE’s defeat against Adamson extended its overall losing streak to 26 games across the previous two UAAP seasons. Another defeat would match UP’s 27-game skid from 2012 through 2014 during the league’s Final Four era.

Adamson holds the longest losing streak from that period, dropping 35 consecutive games between the 1999 and 2002 seasons. UE was scheduled to face UP on October 17 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion while still seeking its first victory.

UP Match Carries Added Stakes for Red Warriors

A victory against UP would end UE’s 26-game losing streak before reaching the Fighting Maroons’ previous 27-game mark. Lagat remained focused on correcting recurring shortcomings as the Red Warriors prepared for another opportunity to end their skid.

“Focus muna kami on what we can improve at kailangang i-improve ang shortcomings para ‘di na maulit sa next games namin,” Lagat said.

Analytical Breakdown: UE Must Win More Possessions

Lagat’s scoring growth reflects increased responsibility, but UE’s possession problems continue limiting the practical impact of his offensive production. The 45-27 rebounding deficit against Adamson created too many extra opportunities, placing additional pressure on UE’s already inconsistent execution. Against UP, stronger rebounding and cleaner possessions could give Lagat’s scoring a better foundation for finally producing a breakthrough victory.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points did Tope Lagat score against Adamson?

Lagat scored 22 points and recorded two steals during UE’s sixth consecutive loss of the UAAP Season 89 campaign.

What was Tope Lagat averaging before the Adamson game?

Lagat entered the matchup averaging a league-leading 19.6 points through his first five games of UAAP Season 89.

How much did Lagat average during UAAP Season 88?

Lagat averaged 6.77 points, 1.46 rebounds, and 0.31 assists across 13 appearances during his first season with UE.

How long is UE’s UAAP losing streak?

UE has lost 26 consecutive games and sits one defeat away from matching UP’s 27-game Final Four-era losing streak.

Who will UE play next?

UE was scheduled to face UP on October 17 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion while seeking its first Season 89 victory.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from life.of.neoo on Instagram.