Abadiano clutch as NU ousts San Beda to return to NBTC finals

NU Bullpups vs San Beda Red Cubs in NBTC Final Four. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Gerry Abadiano came through in the clutch to send National University of National University to the championship round after a tight 91-90 win over San Beda in the Fearless 4 of the 2019 NBTC National Finals Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

With the scores tied at 89, Abadiano pulled up from the right elbow after pushing off Arturo Oliva and shooting over Zachary Estacio for the clutch jumper with 2.0 seconds left in the game.

Estacio had a chance to be the hero for the Red Cubs when Terrence Fortea sent him to the line with no time left on the clock, but he missed his first free throw allowing NU to escape with the win.

NU held a 26-point lead, 61-35, late in the first half but San Beda pushed back and took a 85-84 lead after Estacio’s layup with 2:10 remaining.

Abadiano finished with 23 points and four steals for NU while Cyril Gonzales and Terrence Fortea had 18 points apiece.

Rhayyan Amsali had 26 points to lead the Red Cubs.

NU’s one-point was its closest victory after winning its first three games with an average margin of 59.7 points.

Waiting for NU in the championship round is La Salle Greenhills, which took down Far Eastern University-Diliman 87-77 in the other semifinal matchup.

Joshua David had 21 points and six rebounds for the Greenies while Christian Palencia and Ladis Lepalam had 17 and 13 points, respectively.

RJ Abarrientos led the Baby Tamaraws with 38 points.