Adamson University and National University will put their unbeaten records on the line after disposing of their respective foes to set up an all-UAAP championship round in the 2024 ANTA Asiabasket International Championship on Monday at Enderun Colleges, BGC.
The Soaring Falcons gutted out a hard-fought 74-73 overtime win against the tenacious De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in their semifinals encounter, while the Bulldogs edged out Far Eastern University with a nail-biting 85-79 triumph.
Adamson and NU, both boasting undefeated records, will face off on Tuesday at 6 p.m. with a chance to sweep their way to the title. Serving as the appetizer to the finale showdown will be the battle for third place between the Blazers and the Tamaraws at 4 p.m. at the same venue.
On their way to the finals, the Soaring Falcons and the Bulldogs faced their toughest opponents yet.
Adamson caught fire from downtown early in the fourth, with Matt Erolon, Emman Anabo, and Joshua Yerro knocking down a triple each for a 66-61 lead.
However, they could not capitalize on error-plagued Benilde, allowing the other side to unload a 7-0 run and force a 68-all deadlock, with Justine Sanchez nailing two crucial baskets to drag the Soaring Falcons to overtime.
Adamson made sure to open the extra period on a strong note, unfurling a 6-0 blast that catapulted them to a 74-68 cushion before a Sanchez triple inched Benilde closer, 74-73.
Holding on to that one-point lead, Adamson had the chance to widen the gap further, but Anabo missed a pair of free throws in the final four seconds.
Still, Benilde could not complete the upset as Ian Torres missed a potential game-winning floater.
Cedrick Manzano paced the Soaring Falcons with 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Erolon and Jhon Calisay chipped in 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
(C) Asiabasket
In the second semis game, a similar tight affair transpired, with FEU rookie Veejay Pre scoring five straight points to cut the deficit to one, 72-73, in the payoff period.
But Reinhard Jumamoy had the best response, countering with back-to-back three-pointers before Omar John sank two consecutive baskets for an 83-79 advantage.
Steve Nash Enriquez’s reverse layup then sealed the deal for NU.
John shone with a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Enriquez logged 17 markers, three boards, five assists, and two steals.
NU spoiled Pre’s best scoring output after the rookie sensation poured in 28 points, together with nine rebounds, three assists, and one block.
