The UST Growling Tigers firmed up their UAAP Final Four chances as they edged out a tough Adamson Soaring Falcons, 80-74, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Saturday.
With the win, the Tigers improved to an 8-6 win-loss record, behind only the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, who currently sit at second spot with a 8-4 win-loss slate.
The Tigers could set up a playoff match for second seed against FEU or DLSU in case of a three-way 8-6 tie that includes UP. At worst, UST will figure in a knockout match for fourth seed if UP gets out of the deadlock.
“We won five games last season, at sabi na kung manalo kami ng six games, it’s already an accomplishment. May improvement kasi we’re talking about the long program. Since we won eight, okay na ‘yon but we’re not going to stop there.“ Growling Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo said in the post-game interview.
Adamson ignited a 12-0 blast entering the payoff period to snatch the lead after falling into a 10-point hole.
Mark Nonoy and Sherwin Concepcion drilled crucial three-pointers to stop the Adamson momentum and allow UST to pull away late.
The Tigers had 20 trips to the line in the first half to overcome eight Adamson three-pointers and keep the game close by halftime, 43-42.
Nonoy spearheaded UST with 17 points, five assists and eight boards, but committed eight turnovers.
Soulemane Chabi Yo finished with a double-double of 16 markers and 15 rebounds.
Adamson rookie Joem Sabandal finished with a career-high 18 points off the bench, while Jerrick Ahanmisi scored 11 markers.
The Tigers will have to wait until Oct. 30, when all elimination games are finished, for their final semifinal seeding.
Only Ateneo de Manila University is assured of a Final Four spot as they stand unbeaten in 13 games.
In case Ateneo sweeps the eliminations, they will be assured of a finals berth, and a stepladder format will commence where the third and fourth seeds will face each other in a do-or-die match, the winner of which will battle a twice-to-beat second seed.
