Tigers, Falcons seal Final 4 showdown

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas and Adamson arranged a knockout duel for the last Final Four berth after slipping past their respective NCAA foes in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Tigers survived Letran’s late fightback in a 78-73 decision with Jeric Teng and Karim Abdul keeping UST afloat against the Knights, who put up a terrific fight even minus ace Kevin Alas.

Earlier, rookie Jericho Cruz exploded for a career-high 37 points as the Falcons ousted defending champion San Sebastian, 88-79, to sustain their strong run.

Rodney Brondial posted 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, while Roider Cabrera capped a 13-point finish with a triple that gave the Falcons a double-digit cushion, 82-71, going into the final two minutes.

UST and Adamson dispute the last semifinal slot at 4 p.m. today after the 2 p.m. juniors exhibition match between Far Eastern University and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu.

Five-time UAAP champion Ateneo, three-time NCAA king San Beda and reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) titlist Southwestern University already secured the first three semifinal berths.

The Falcons, who came all the way from the Metro Manila qualifiers, stretched their unbeaten run to seven games.

“We’ve had continuous practices, so we were able to sustain our fighting stance,” said Adamson coach Leo Austria. “Cruz has also been very consistent in scoring.”

Cruz, who surpassed his personal UAAP career-best of 33 points, recorded a 12-of-17 shooting from the field on top of seven rebounds and four assists.

Teng, who shot a team-high 20 points, towed the Tigers to their biggest lead, 71-57, before nailing two cushion free throws, 77-71, in the last 20 seconds.

“We only practiced for three days, so it’s good we were able to shake off the rust,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio. “Adamson has been playing well, so we just have to be ready.”

The scores:

First Game

ADAMSON 88—Cruz 37, Brondial 20, Cabrera 13, Monteclaro 10, Rios 4, Julkipli 4, Mendoza 0, Cabigas 0, Agustin 0, Trollano 0, Petilos 0, Abrigo 0, Bernabe 0.

SAN SEBASTIAN 79—Pascual 26, Sangalang 16, Dela Cruz 16, Miranda 9, Maiquez 7, Antipuesto 4, Gusi 1, Rebullos 0, Juico 0, Balucanag 0, Vitug 0.

Quarters: 18-15, 38-40, 63-62, 88-79

Second Game

UST 78—Teng 19, Ferrer 15, Abdul 14, Daquioag 9, Mariano 7, Lo 6, Afuang 4, Vigil 2, Fortuna 2, Haingan 0, Pe 0, Garrido 0, Tan 0, Bautista 0.

LETRAN 73—Racal 16, Cortes 15, Almazan 12, Lituania 11, Cruz 6, Pantin 6, J. Alas 5, Gabawan 2, Gabriel 0, Luib 0.

Quarters: 17-16, 38-34, 56-51, 78-73