Lastimosa lifts Falcons, eliminates FEU from UAAP semis contention
MANILA, Philippines — Jerom Lastimosa played an efficient game despite limited minutes as the Adamson Soaring Falcons stayed in the hunt for a Final Four slot with a 75-70 win over the FEU Tamaraws at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday.
A scorching hot 27-2 start in the first salvo saw the Soaring Falcons in control early. FEU could not buy a bucket in the opening period of play, going 0-of-16 from the field.
At the end of the first quarter, Adamson was ahead by 23 points. FEU missed 22 consecutive shots before finally making a field goal with 7:30 left in the second period, courtesy of LJay Gonzales.
Lastimosa, who played through a foot injury, contributed much for the Falcons, who improved their slate to 6-6, tied with the DLSU Green Archers for the fourth and final spot in the Final Four.
The graduating guard finished with 23 points on 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc.
But the Tamaraws didn't make it easy, as they slashed the lead to as small as five, 69-64, after a Bryan Sajonia three with 1:31 left in the game.
Lastimosa then missed on a triple in the next possession to keep the door wide open for the Tams.
But Cholo Anonuevo could not convert on a layup and gave possession back to the Falcons.
Though the Tams tried to keep their heads afloat, enough makes from the free throw line by Adamson kept the Morayta squad at bay.
"There's no mystery anymore in San Marcelino. It's nice again that we're able to put ourselves in a good position." said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.
"At least we're able to control things that we can control. 'Yan ang laging message namin sa players. Today, buhay pa rin. Buhay pa rin kami." he added.
Playing supporting role to Lastimosa's heroics was Lenda Douanga, who went a perfect 8-of-8 from the field to finish with 18 points and seven boards.
The Tamaraws thus saw their eight-season streak of making it to the Final Four end as they fell to 4-9 for the year. This will be the first time since 2012 that FEU will not be in the postseason.
Jorick Bautista paced FEU in the losing effort with 14 points, four boards, three assists and two steals.
The Falcons will continue to push for their spot in the Final Four when they face the NU Bulldogs on Saturday. They jockey with the DLSU Green Archers, who are also at 6-6.
Meanwhile, the Tamaraws seek to end their season on a high note when they clash with the UST Growling Tigers on the same day.
The scores:
ADAMSON 75 -- Lastimosa 23, Douanga 18, Manzano 10, Sabandal 6, Colonia 4, Hanapi 3, Yerro 3, Jaymalin 3, Torres 2, Barasi 2, Manlapaz 1, Barcelona 0, Flowers 0, Fuentebella 0, W. Magbuhos 0.
FEU 70 -- Bautista 14, Anonuevo 13, Sajonia 11, Alforque 8, Sleat 5, Gonzales 5, Torres 4, Tchuente 4, Ona 4, Celzo 2, Bagunu 0, Gravera 0, Songcuya 0.
Quarters: 27-4, 39-30, 58-46, 75-70.
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