Adamson's Final Four bid still alive thanks to Jerom Lastimosa's dagger trey vs NU

Adamson University's bid for a Final Four spot is still alive after the Soaring Falcons squeaked past National University, 64-63, in UAAP Season 85 on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jerom Lastimosa's triple with 5.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter was the game-winner as Steve Nash Enriquez missed his final shot for the Bulldogs.

Lastimosa tallied seven markers anchored on two triples, while Lenda Douanga led the Falcons with 16 points and six rebounds.

Steve Nash Enriquez had 18 points for the Bulldogs.

With the win, Adamson improved to 7-6 while NU finished the elimination round with a 9-5 record.

"We're still alive going to the Final Four and alam ko na 'yung dalawang tira ko is di pumasok but I never gave up sa last shot so I think deserve ko naman mangyari yun because pina-practice ko naman everyday," an emotional Lastimosa said in the post-game conference.

"One last push na lang for the Final Four," he added.

Crucial for Adamson's Final Four hopes is their final match against Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday, and the upcoming games of De La Salle University this afternoon (vs. UE) and on Wednesday (vs. UST). Only La Salle and Adamson remain in the hunt for the fourth and final playoff spot.

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.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News