Adamson University rose to solo fourth in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament while sending University of Santo Tomas to the brink of elimination after taking a 61-53 victory on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Soaring Falcons, who hope to replicate last season's late Final Four push, improved their record to 5-5 while pushing the Growling Tigers to the brink of elimination.

With its third consecutive loss, UST fell to 1-9 overall in the standings.

Adamson's closest challenger Ateneo de Manila University is currently playing National University as of press time.

“We’re pretty much in the hunt just like the other team that you want in the Final Four,” said coach Nash Racela. “Again, there’s expectation and there’s reality. Ang reality is always based on what’s happening. Right now, we’re happy that we’re competing and we have a chance in the Final Four kahit na hindi kami yung ine-expect na makapasok.”

Unlike their 79-76 overtime win over the Growling Tigers last October 4, the Soaring Falcons were able to dispose of their foes in regulation this time.

UST, which was down by as much as 50-40 in the 9:39 mark of the payoff period off a Cedrick Manzano shot, gave itself hope that it could win its second game of the campaign.

Christian Manaytay, Ivan Lazarte, and Ivanne Calum combined to trim the deficit to just 52-50 with 6:25 to go for the Growling Tigers.

However, Adamson had the perfect response to stave off any UST comeback. Matthew Montebon and Didat Hanapi fired three consecutive three-pointers to ice the game for the Soaring Falcons at 61-50 with 2:49 remaining in the contest.

“That’s how we want our players to develop,” said Racela. “Making decisions on their own even during adversity. That’s the only way we think they will grow. We give them a bit of guidance but, to be honest, ang sabi lang namin is not to turn the ball over. Yun lang ang lagi namin sinasabi sa kanila.”

Joshua Yerro led Adamson with 11 points, four assists, and three rebounds while Joem Sabandal and Montebon finished with nine and eight points, respectively.

The Soaring Falcons’ Nigerian center OJ Ojarike seized 11 rebounds to go along with his three rebounds and two points.

Adamson had 50 rebounds and 18 second-chance points compared to UST's 40 and four in the same categories.

Adamson will go against De La Salle University this Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
On the other hand, Christian Manaytay led UST on his 25th birthday with 13 points and eight rebounds while Calum contributed nine points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.

Nic Cabañero had an off day for the Growling Tigers.

The 20-year-old third-year guard, who averaged 20.57 points before this game, only produced nine points off 3-of-15 shooting from the field.

UST will next play Ateneo this Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

AdU 61 – Yerro 17, Sabandal 9, Montebon 8, Calisay 7, Hanapi 7, Anabo 6, Manzano 3, Ojarikre 2, Magbuhos 2, Colonia 0, Erolon 0, Barcelona 0, Barasi 0, Ramos 0, Canete 0.

UST 53 – Manaytay 13, Calum 9, Lazarte 9, Cabañero 9, Manalang 8, Pangilinan 4, Duremdes 1, Crisostomo 0, Laure 0, Ventulan 0, Gesalem 0, Llemit 0, Esmena 0, Moore 0.

Quarterscores: 19-20, 35-32, 48-40, 61-53