UAAP: NU escapes Adamson to book Final Four spot

National University clinched a Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament after edging Adamson University, 66–65, on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

With the win, NU improved to 9–2 and solidified its hold of the top spot in the standings, while Adamson fell to 5–6.

The Soaring Falcons led 63–61 before Omar John tied the game with a basket with 36 seconds remaining in the final quarter.

Monty Montebon then sank two free throws off a Mark Parks foul to put Adamson back on top.

With 19 seconds left, Paul Francisco fouled Matt Erolon, who missed both of his free throws.

John grabbed the rebound, allowing Parks to convert a three-point play that ultimately sealed the win for the Bulldogs as Montebon missed his final three-point attempt.

Earlier, Adamson held a 48-40 advantage heading into the fourth quarter after outscoring NU, 18–9, in the third period, following a slim 31–30 lead at halftime.

Jake Figueroa led the Bulldogs with 13 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals, while Parks added 10 points. Francisco chipped in nine points, and John contributed seven points along with 10 rebounds, two steals, and an assist.

Montebon paced the Soaring Falcons with four triples en route to 20 points, while Cedrick Manzano tallied a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Manu Anabo also added 11 points for Adamson.

Scores:

NU 66 – Figueroa 13, Parks 10, Francisco 9, Jumamoy 8, John 7, Manansala 5, Garcia 4, Palacielo 4, Padrones 2, Dela Cruz 2, Enriquez 2, Tulabut 0.

Adamson 65 – Montebon 20, Manzano 12, Anabo 11, Torres 7, Ojarikre 5, Fransman 3, Jaymalin 3, Perez 2, Demisana 2, Erolon 0, Medina 0, Tumaneng 0, Cañete 0, A. Ronzone 0.

Quarters: 18-14, 31-30, 40-48, 66-65.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News