ADALEM Construction-St. Clare showed it wanted it more against gritty Builders Warehouse-University of Santo Tomas to complete the Last Four yesterday.
Proving steadier when it mattered most, the Saints carved out a pulsating 90-87 victory over the Growling Tigers in their knockout quarterfinals battle for the final semis slot in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A Kean Baclaan layup pulled Builders Warehouse-UST to within 87-90 with 15.6 seconds left before the Tigers forced Adalem Construction-St. Clare to a five-second inbound violation in the ensuing play.
But Baclaan’s prayer from halfcourt was not answered at the buzzer, sealing the Saints’ big bounce back win from a 93-98 loss to the Tigers six days ago that negated their twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters.
The Saints forged a best-of-3 semis showdown against second seed EcoOil-La Salle.
No. 1 Apex Fuel-San Sebastian College will take on fourth-ranked Marinerong Pilipino in the other semis tiff of the season-opening tourney kicking off tomorrow also at the Big Dome.
NAASCU MVP Johnsherick Estrada showed the way for the Saints with a game-high 20 points laced with five rebounds and three assists, while Jolo Sumagaysay hit three three-pointers and finished with 14 markers.
Joshua Fontanilla, John Rojas, and Gab Gamboa also had 12 points each for Adalem Construction-St. Clare.
Adalem Construction-St. Clare coach Jiniño Manansala admitted the Tigers gave his wards fits.
“Hats off to UST. I know they will play hard, and they know how to win already,” Manansala said.
The Saints took a 37-35 lead at the half and enjoyed a 59-57 buffer going into the final canto.
Nic Cabañero paced Builders Warehouse-UST with 19 points and six rebounds, while Baclaan added 17 markers.
