Adamson topples defending champ San Sebastian

MANILA—Spry guard Lester Alvarez sizzled from downtown as Adamson University unseated the defending champion San Sebastian, 90-81, Monday and booked a slot in the Final Four of the FilOil-Flying V Hanes Preseason Premier Cup.

Alvarez nailed 21 of his 27 points from beyond-the-arc, including a dagger with 1:28 left that set the final count for the Falcons.

A crucial 7-0 charge down the stretch capped by a jumper by Alvarez kept Adamson ahead for good even as the Stags surged to within 71-75 with still six minutes left.

Alex Nuyles and Roider Cabrera had 17 points apiece for Adamson, who will square off against the reigning NCAA titlist San Beda in the semis on Friday at 2 p.m.

The Falcons, who led by as many as 18 points in the third period, bucked a 32-point explosion from San Sebastian’s one-two punch Calvin Abueva and Ronald Pascual.

Abueva and Pascual took turns in chopping down Adamson’s double digit lead, scoring all of San Sebastian’s points in the fourth quarter.

The Stags drew little support from the rest of their inexperienced crew while veterans Jan Colina and Eric Camson did damage for the Falcons.

Camson, who finished with eight points, set up the crucial triple by Alvarez on a nifty kick out pass off a pump fake.

The scores:

Fourth Game

ADAMSON 90—Alvarez 27, Nuyles 17, Cabrera 17, Camson 9, Colina 8, Etrone 5, Manyara 3, Cruz 2, Brondial 2, Cañada 0, Olalia 0.

SAN SEBASTIAN 81—Abueva 32, Pascual 32, Sangalang 6, Dela Cruz 6, Antipuesto 2, Miranda 2, Del Rio 1, Ferrer 0, Maiquez 0, Vitug 0, Balucanag 0.

Quarters: 17-15, 46-35, 69-56, 90-81