Adamson University avoided elimination by stunning Final Four-bound National University, 68-62, on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Soaring Falcons improved to 6-7, just one game behind fourth-running Ateneo de Manila University.
To force a playoff for the last postseason ticket, Adamson must win against the University of the East Red Warriors on Sunday while hoping that the Blue Eagles lose on Saturday against the De La Salle University Green Archers.
“It’s always tough when we face NU. Over the years, the game has always been close. I was surprised when I looked at the stats; we outrebounded them,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela, whose team led the rebounding department, 42-34.
“They’re a great rebounding team, so I was surprised, and that’s one of the reasons why we gave ourselves a chance today.”
Jake Figueroa’s free throws with 37 seconds left narrowed NU’s deficit to just four, 60-64.
However, the Soaring Falcons successfully wasted 14 seconds before Joshua Yerro made a layup with 22 seconds to go, making it 66-60.
Kean Baclaan managed to draw a foul and drain both of his free throws on the other end. Then Matt Erolon did the same for Adamson for the final tally with 17.9 seconds remaining.
“Siguro bumabawi lang talaga kami sa mga taong walang sawang sumusuporta sa amin. Hindi kami napapagod, tuwing nagti-training kami sila ang iniisip namin,” said Didat Hanapi, who led the Soaring Falcons with 13 points and six rebounds.
“Nagtiwala kami sa gusto ni Coach Nash, sa sistema.”
Baclaan and PJ Palacielo conspired early in the payoff period to pull NU within three, 52-55. However, Hanapi and OJ Ojarikre responded with five points to restore Adamson’s lead to eight with 5:14 left, 60-52.
That three-point deficit was the last time NU came within one possession.
Matthew Montebon added 12 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Meanwhile, Ced Manzano also contributed 12 points, three rebounds, and two blocks for the Soaring Falcons.
Adamson point guard Joem Sabandal did not play for the second straight game.
On the other hand, the Bulldogs took a hit on their playoff incentive chances. They fell to 10-3, now tied with the Green Archers for the second and third spots.
The latter holds the tiebreak due to a superior quotient in the two games they split.
Baclaan’s 24 points and eight rebounds went to waste, as well as Figueroa’s 13 points and five rebounds.
NU will take on league-leader University of the Philippines on Sunday at the same Pasay venue.
The Scores:
Adamson 68 – Hanapi 13, Montebon 12, Manzano 12, Ramos 7, Ojarikre 7, Yerro 6, Erolon 4, Calisay 3, Magbuhos 2, Barasi 2, Colonia 0, Barcelona 0, Anabo 0, Cañete 0.
NU 62 – Baclaan 24, Figueroa 13, Lim 6, Palacielo 5, John 5, Yu 4, Malonzo 2, Manansala 2, Jumamoy 1, Padrones 0.
Quarterscores: 25-17, 40-33, 50-42, 68-62.
