FEU Baby Tamaraws vs Adamson Baby Falcons. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University-Diliman shrugged off its 23-day layoff and ousted No. 4 Adamson, 78-65, to set up its spot in the UAAP Season 82 juniors’ basketball finals Friday at Filoil Flying V Center.
The second-seeded Baby Tamaraws, who held a twice-to-beat advantage, banked on their immense defensive pressure and clamped down on the Baby Falcons’ two best players Jake Figueroa and John Erolon.
Figueroa, the season MVP, was held to 11 points on 1-of-6 shooting while Erolon had seven points on a disastrous 1-of-12 clip.
“We were able to execute our game plan of stopping Figueroa and Erolon and I’m really happy that the kids did their homework,” said FEU head coach Allan Albano, who is making his second finals appearance in the high school division.
Penny Estacio scored on a breakaway layup with 2:01 left that gave the Baby Tamaraws a 72-56 lead effectively putting the game to bed.
Estacio finished with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals while Mark Padrones had 14 points to lead the Baby Tamaraws.
Jorick Bautista added 11 points while Cholo Anonuevo nearly had a double-double with nine points, 14 boards, and three steals.
FEU finished with a 12-2 record in the eliminations but both of those losses came against undefeated defending champion National University, which is already waiting in the finals.
Joshua Barcelona led Adamson with 12 points and four rebounds.