The Ateneo Blue Eagles kept their Final Four hopes alive in UAAP Season 88 after taking down the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 72–61, on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Ateneo held control for most of the match and led by 16 with 2:46 remaining after a three-pointer from Waki Espina, before Adamson’s Matty Erolon answered with a triple of his own to trim the margin to 13 entering the final two minutes.
The Falcons attempted a late rally, but their three-point attempts in the last minute failed to fall. With Ateneo holding a 72–59 advantage, the Eagles simply managed the clock as Shawn Tuano allowed the 24-second shot clock to expire to drain time off the game clock with 28.1 seconds left.
Dom Escobar led Ateneo with 14 points, while Kymani Ladi and Waki Espina added 13 each. Espina also tallied three assists and three steals, earning Best Player of the Game honors.
For Adamson, Matty Erolon fired 24 points and Ray Allen Torres chipped in 16, but the Falcons were unable to close the gap. The game also marked the final UAAP appearance of Cedrick Manzano, who is expected to draw interest from professional teams.
With the victory, Ateneo improved to 6–7 and will face rival De La Salle Green Archers on Wednesday in a crucial matchup that could determine their Final Four fate. (JNV)
