Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Adamson Falcons boosted their bid in the hunt for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four after upending the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 77-53, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Papi Sarr paced the Falcons with 22 markers and 15 rebounds.
After a hard fought opening period, the Adamson defense came to the fore in the second frame to limit the Bulldogs to just six points in the quarter.
The airtight defense gave the Falcons what turned out to be a insurmountable 35-19 advantage headed into the halftime break.
The Bulldogs could not find a way back after the break, and only managed to muster 34 points in the remaining two quarters.
Adamson’s victory ensured that they remained in the hunt for a twice-to-beat advantage.
Jay Alejandro led NU with 15 points.
After the game, Adamson head coach Franz Pumaren stressed how important the win was for his young side ahead of an important matchup against the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
A victory against the Eagles would, at the very least, secure a three-way tie with Ateneo and the FEU Tamaraws, while a loss will see their prospects for the second place berth dissipate.
“We needed that win,“ Pumaren admitted. “I don’t sugarcoat anything, we are aiming to at least get a tie and get a shot at gaining that twice-to-beat advantage.”
The win against NU saw Adamson improve their record to 8-5, while NU ended the season with a 5-9 slate.
The Falcons will play the Ateneo Blue Eagles in their final game of the elimination round on Wednesday.
