By NIKOLE JAVIER
Jerom Lastimosa played hero in endgame after hitting the game-winning triple for Adamson to pull off a 64-63 win over National University in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite struggling on the offensive end and missing back-to-back shots from beyond the arc in the final minute, Lastimosa’s single-digit finish of seven points built on two three-pointers and a lone free throw lifted the Soaring Falcons past the Bulldogs to keep themselves in contention for the last Final Four spot and improve 7-6 in the standings.
Lenda Dounaga then led Adamson with a 16-point outing apart from six boards.
With 1:29 left in the contest, Steven Nash Enriquez drained a much-needed floater to tie the game at 61-all before he was sent to the line and split his freebies to pull NU within one.
With under a minute left, Lastimosa failed to make back-to-back triples before Enriquez drew another foul and earn one more point to extend NU's lead by two.
With only 5.5 ticks left, Lastimosa finally buried his second triple of the match to seal the win for the Falcons.
"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 was able to carry us through," said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.
"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 ‘yon kasi pina-practice ko talaga 'yon," said Lastimosa.
For NU’s part, three players had double-digit scoring including Enriquez with 18. Meanwhile, John Figueroa finished with a double-double outing of 13 points apart from eleven rebounds while Omar John added 10.
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.