UAAP: Ateneo ousts Adamson to stay in Final Four race

Ateneo de Manila University eliminated Adamson University, 72-61, to keep its Final Four hopes alive in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Blue Eagles pulled away in the second quarter, outscoring Adamson 27-15 to take a 42-27 lead at halftime.

Ateneo continued to pound Adamson in the second half, building its largest lead of the game at 65-39 with 1:23 left in the third quarter before the Soaring Falcons ended the frame with a 5-0 run.

Despite Adamson outscoring the Katipunan squad 17-7 in the final quarter, Ateneo kept the Falcons at bay to secure the victory.

Dom Escobar led the Blue Eagles with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a block, while Waki Espina and Kymani Ladi contributed 13 points each. Shawn Tuano added 11 points as Ateneo improved to 6-7 ahead of its crucial match against rival De La Salle University.

The win spoiled Matt Erolon’s 24-point outing as the San Marcelino squad finished the tournament with a 6-8 record.

Scores:

Ateneo 72 – Escobar 14, Ladi 13, Espina 13, Tuano 11, Adili 8, Lazaro 4, Espinosa 3, Bongo 3, Lazo 3, Bahay 0, Fjellvang 0, Gamber 0.

Adamson 61 – Erolon 24, Torres 16, Manzano 7, Montebon 4, Fransman 4, Ojarikre 2, Perez 2, A. Ronzone 2, Anabo 0, Medina 0, Cañete 0, Barcelona 0, Tumaneng 0, C. Ronzone 0, Demisana 0, Jaymalin 0.

Quarters: 15-12, 42-27, 65-39, 72-61.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News