MANILA, Philippines — Jerom Lastimosa hit the game-winner for the Adamson Soaring Falcons as they survived the NU Bulldogs, 64-63, to keep their push alive for the Final Four in UAAP Season 85 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
Lastimosa, who made only two field goals in the game, converted a triple with 5.5 left in the game to put Adamson ahead by one, 64-63.
The Falcons then forced a defensive stop on Steve Nash Enriquez in the next possession to keep themselves well in the race for the fourth spot in the standings at 7-6.
They jockey with La Salle, currently at 6-6, for the last playoff seat.
Lastimosa's triple provided the clutch climax to a game where both teams went back-and-forth all game.
"We're still alive going to the Final 4. And, alam ko na 'yung dalawang tira ko is hindi siya pumasok, but I never give up sa last shot." said Lastimosa after the game.
"So, I think deserve ko naman mangyari 'yun kasi pina-practice ko talaga every day. Hindi lang every day, every morning lunch, dinner." he added.
Enriquez split twice in the free throw line to put the Bulldogs up by two, 63-61, with just 18 seconds left in the game.
But it was Lastimosa, who continues to play through an injury, who came out victorious with his triple.
Lenda Dounga took Player of the Game honors though, as he spurred Adamson's pivotal run in the third salvo with his 16 points, six rebounds and one assist.
Lastimosa finished with seven points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
Enriquez paced NU, who will now have to hope Ateneo loses its two games remaining to force a playoff for the twice-to-beat advantage, with 18 points and four assists.
NU was playing without rookie point guard Kean Baclaan who is serving a one-game suspension.
Adamson has one game remaining on Wednesday when they face Ateneo.
Meanwhile, NU has finished its campaign in the elimination round and now await the results of the other games to determine their placing in the semifinals.
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.