Adamson University is still in Final Four contention after toppling National University, 68-62, in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
Guard Didat Hanapi led the "Scoring" Falcons with game-high 13 points and six rebounds, while Monty Montebon and Ced Manzano also had 12 markers, completing the supporting cast.
The first quarter was huge for Adamson, where they had a 25-17 outing – and they were able to retain their separation until halfway mark of third frame.
After a brief deadlock at 40 apiece, Falcons pulled away with a 10-2 run to end third quarter, 50-42.
Early in the final quarter, NU elite guard Kean Baclaan showed his scoring prowess via isolation and a step-back three to close the gap to three, 55-52.
The Bulldogs did not give up as they kept themselves in striking distance up until less than a minute remaining. They even came as close as 4 at 64-60 with 37 seconds remaining, courtesy of Jake Figueroa who drained his free throws.
Adamson's Joshua Yerro created more separation with a layup as the clock continued to die, 66-60.
Baclaan earned a trip to the line after drawing a foul – from Matt Erolon – but it was also Erolon who sunk charities to close the deal.
Adamson coach Nash Racela said in the postgame conference that rebounded was key for them for this match.
"I was surprised when I looked at the stats. We outrebounded them 42 to 34... they’re a great rebounding team. Kaya nagulat ako," Racela said.
"I think this is probably one of the reasons why we gave ourselves a chance. We were able to outrebound them but at the same time, they only had three second chance points... That was the key for us," he added.
The Soaring Falcons are now at 6-7, while the Bulldogs, who are seeking a twice-to-beat advantage, are now at 10-3, dropping to second place with DLSU behind UP.
Adamson needs to win over University of the East while praying that Ateneo loses against La Salle to coerce a playoff for a semis berth.
The scores:
AdU (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
