Adamson University secured its second-straight win after outlasting National University, 62-55, in the UAAP Season 84 men's basketball tournament, Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Ahead by just a point after a Jake Figueroa layup on the other end, Soaring Falcons Keith Zaldivar and Joshua Yerro joined hands for five straight points, a triple and a layup, to give their side a six-point lead with 1:23 to go, 58-52.
But Shaun Ildefonso was quick to answer for the Bulldogs with a corner trey to cut their deficit to one possession with 1:15 left, 55-58.
However, Adamson salvaged the win after defensive stops against Ildefonso and Janjan Felicilda, and conversions from Jerom Lastimosa, Joem Sabandal, and Matty Erolon.
"We're happy that in the second round, we're learning how to win," said Adamson head coach Nash Racela. "The first round really helped us in growing and today naipakita nila."
Lastimosa came up big on both ends with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals.
Didat Hanapi chipped in 13 points, while Zaldivar added 10 points and four rebounds. Cedrick Manzano was a steady force down low with Lenda Douanga out with eight points and nine rebounds.
The Soaring Falcons forged a triple-tie for fifth with Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas at 3-6. NU slid to 4-5, still at fourth.
Janjan Felicilda was the lone Bulldog in double figures with 13 points as John Lloyd Clemente went 1-of-8 to finish with just two points.
Adamson looks to add to its winning streak on Thursday against the blazing University of the Philippines at 4:30 pm. NU faced Far Eastern University at 12:30 pm.
The Scores:
Adamson 62 -- Lastimosa 17, Hanapi 13, Zaldivar 10, Manzano 8, Sabandal 6, Magbuhos 3, Yerro 2, Peromingan 2, Erolon 1, Colonia 0, Barasi 0, Maata 0, Jaymalin 0.
NU 55 -- Felicilda 13, Torres 7, Ildefonso 7, Minerva 6, Figueroa 5, Joson 5, Clemente 2, Gaye 2, Malonzo 2, Manansala 2, Yu 2, Mahinay 2, Enriquez 0, Tibayan 0.
Quarterscores: 17-11, 31-28, 41-45, 62-55. (Dennis Lachica, Sportsmanila Photojournalist)