DEFENDING champion Adamson University and University of the East remain locked in a tight battle for the fourth spot in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Basketball Final Four race, both securing victories to open the second round, Wednesday at the FiloilEcoOil Centre.
The Baby Falcons escaped with a narrow 58-57 win over the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles to bounce back from their previous loss to National University Nazareth School, while the Junior Warriors cruised past the University of the Philippines Integrated School Fighting Maroons, 85-72, for their second straight victory.
With these results, both teams are tied in the standings at 4-4.
De La Salle-Zobel (3-4) is still playing against University of Santo Tomas (6-1) as of publishing.
It was a hard-fought win for Adamson, needing a clutch free throw and a crucial defensive stop to fend off the upset-seeking Blue Eagles.
“Nahirapantalaga kami. Problemakasinamin, we are so erratic—especially the bigs,” lamented long-time Adamson head coach Mike Fermin. “Yung bigsnamin, we need production from them. Etong guards, given nayan.”
With 4.8 seconds left, JohnreyAbayon drew a foul from Renzo Gatmaitan and had a chance for an and-one play, but ZahirSajili’s interference by hanging on the net resulted in an offensive violation.
Abayon then split his free throws, leaving Ateneo with one final opportunity.
Off a timeout, Jay-M Leal received the inbound pass but was forced into a turnover by Mark Esperanza as time expired, sealing the win for Adamson.
“Yung bigsnamin, talagang absent sila. Sana naman may dalawa o isasakanila mag-step up, then we are going to be fine. We are looking for those big guys at sana mag-step up nasila this round,” added Fermin. Despite Allen Perez’s efficient 4-of-4 shooting for 12 points and eight rebounds, he struggled defensively against Leal, who finished with 12 points and nine boards.
JirehTumaneng, Adamson’s other big man, saw only one minute and 20 seconds of action.
Esperanza led the Baby Falcons with 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals, while Earl Medina added 12 points and nine rebounds. Both players logged over 34 minutes on the floor.
