(This article has been updated to reflect the result of the UE-DLSU game)
Jerom Lastimosa buried the game-winning triple as Adamson University boosted its Final Four chances after beating National University, 64-63, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
With the Bulldogs ahead by just one under one minute, Lastimosa missed back-to-back three-pointers that forced the Soaring Falcons to send Steve Nash Enriquez on the line with 18.6 ticks to go.
But he split his free throws that opened the opportunity for Lastimosa to redeem himself and drain the trey with 5.5 seconds left.
Enriquez, who went 2-of-4 from the charity stripe in the final minute, tried to give NU the win but he missed his attempt from downtown.
“I know si Jerom is struggling today, that was obvious because NU made adjustments. But yeah he made the most important shot of the game and before it happened, Lenda [Dounga] was able to carry us through,” said Soaring Falcons coach Nash Racela.
Douanga top-scored for Adamson with 16 points, including two threes, with six rebounds, while Didat Hanapi had nine points.
Lastimosa finished with seven points and five rebounds.
“We’re still alive and alam ko na yung dalawang tira ko hindi siya pumasok pero I never gave up sa last shot. I think deserve ko naman yun kasi pinapractice ko talaga ‘yun,” said the 5-foot-10 combo guard.
The Soaring Falcons rose to 7-6 and now occupy solo fourth after the De La Salle University Green Archers lost in overtime against University of the East Red Warriors to drop to 6-7. Adamson will still face the Blue Eagles on Wednesday, 4 pm, at the Big Dome in their final elimination round assignment.
SEE: UAAP Men’s Basketball schedule
On the other hand, the Bulldogs slid to 9-5 at third. They now hope for Ateneo de Manila University (9-3) to drop both its last two games for a playoff for the final twice-to-beat edge.
Enriquez registered 18 points and four assists in the losing cause while Jake Figueroa tallied 13 points and 11 rebounds.
NU played without Kean Baclaan, who was suspended after getting ejected in their last game due to two technical fouls for faking a foul.
The Scores:
Adamson 64 — Douanga 16, Hanapi 9, Manlapaz 8, Lastimosa 7, Yerro 4, Sabandal 4, Fuentebella 3, Jaymalin 3, Colonia 2, Barcelona 2, Manzano 2, Barasi 2, V. Magbuhos 2, Flowers 0, Torres 0.
NU 63 — Enriquez 18, Figueroa 13, John 10, Malonzo 7, Clemente 5, Tibayan 4, Yu 2, Palacielo 2, Manansala 1, Galinato 1, Minerva 0, Mahinay 0, Tulabut 0.
Quarters: 18-14, 33-36, 53-48, 64-63.