Ateneo de Manila University’s Dom Escobar (#24) against Adamson University’s Joaquin Jaymalin in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — Ateneo de Manila University eliminated Adamson University, 72-61, to stay in the Final 4 race of UAAP Season 88 men's basketball.
The Blue Eagles led the Soaring Falcons by as many as 26 points on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay to notch their sixth win in 13 games, and leading the charge was Dom Escobar.
"We only have a year and that's it. We lose the next game, that's it for us," said Escobar, who tallied 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists as they head to their final elimination round game on Wednesday against De La Salle University.
A win over the Green Archers will boost Ateneo's chances of advancing to the postseason, and what could help the Katipunan-based squad is applying the same composure they showed against Adamson.
After seeing their 26-point lead cut to half, 67-54, Kymani Ladi drained a mid-range jumper midway through the fourth to restore a 15-point cushion.
Although AJ Fransman made both of his free throws to keep Adamson within reach, Waki Espina responded with a three-pointer to give Ateneo a 72-56 lead with under three minutes left, effectively sealing the win.
Ladi and Espina each scored 13, while Shawn Tuano added 11 for the Blue Eagles.
On the other hand, the Soaring Falcons ended their campaign with eight defeats against six wins despite a game-high 24 points and five rebounds from Matt Erolon.
Ray Allen Torres followed with 16, while Ced Manzano capped off his UAAP career with seven points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks.
The 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.
Quarterscores: 15-12, 42-27, 65-39, 72-61.