In a thrilling finish at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Joshua Yerro delivered an unforgettable moment for Adamson University, converting an alley-oop buzzer beater to secure a hard-fought 60-58 victory over National University in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday night.
With 0.3 seconds left on the clock, Jhon Calisay delivered a pinpoint inbound pass to Yerro.
He made the decisive tip to bring Adamson’s players, staff, and fans to their feet.
This victory propelled the Soaring Falcons to a 3-2 record in the standings, showcasing their resilience after a tough loss to Ateneo last Saturday.
Soaring Falcons head coach Nash Racela praised his coaching staff for plotting the moment, noting, “It was Coach Gilbert Lao who drew that play, so that’s the dynamics of our coaching staff.
“Actually, when we were playing defense, we were hoping that if ever they make a basket, we still have time. So Coach Gilbert was already preparing for that,” he continued.
The game unfolded dramatically, with NU mounting a late comeback.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
After trailing 50-56 with just 1:40 remaining, the Bulldogs fought back to tie the game at 56, thanks to key contributions from Jake Figueroa, Jolo Manansala, PJ Palacielo, and Reinhard Jumamoy.
However, Adamson responded quickly, with Cedrick Manzano executing a lay-in off a missed shot by Yerro with only 3.3 seconds left.
Just when it seemed Adamson would escape with a win, Manansala drove down the lane for a last-second shot.
He managed to tie the game with 0.3 seconds remaining.
But Yerro, who finished the night with 11 points, five rebounds, and three steals, wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip away.
Yerro shared, “Of course, masaya kasi pumasok. Thank God, dahil sa Kanya kaya pumasok. Before pa lang nag-timeout, sabi ni Coach Gilbert na stay lang kami kasi baka mag-extra five minutes.
“Pero sabi ko kay Calisay, wala nang five minutes ‘to. Tiwala ka lang, papasok ‘to.”
Matthew Montebon led the Falcons with 15 points, including three crucial three-pointers, while AJ Fransman contributed with eight points, six rebounds, and two steals.
OJ Ojarikre grabbed 17 rebounds to go with five points as well.
On the other hand, the defeat added to NU’s woes, marking its third consecutive loss and dropping them to a 1-4 record.
It now sits seventh in the standings.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Manansala was the standout performer for the Bulldogs, finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds, supported by Figueroa and Kenshin Padrones, who added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Looking ahead, Adamson is set to face the undefeated University of the Philippines on Saturday at 4:30 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Meanwhile, NU will aim to end its losing streak against the University of the East at 6:30 PM on the same day.
The Scores:
AdU 60 – Montebon 15, Yerro 11, Fransman 8, Calisay 5, Manzano 5, Erolon 5, Ojarikre 4, Anabo 3, Mantua 2, Barasi 2, Ramos 0, Alexander 0, Ignacio 0.
NU 58 – Manansala 15, Figueroa 11, Padrones 10, Palacielo 8, Jumamoy 5, Enriquez 4, Santiago 3, Francisco 2, Yu 0, Garcia 0, Lim 0, Perciano 0, Tulabut 0, Parks 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 18-13, 29-38, 43-43, 60-58.
