By Jade Moya
MANILA--The UST Growling Tigers made sure this time that they will get the win over Adamson to stay in the hunt for the second seed and a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final 4, prevailing, 80-74, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday night.
Mark Nonoy, Renzo Subido, and Sherwin Concepcion shot clutch 3-point buckets to avoid another upset attempt by the also-ran Soaring Falcons.
The Tigers improved to 8-6, momentarily in 3rd place and assured themselves of at least a playoff for a place in the Final 4.
Meanwhile, Adamson went down to 4-9.
The Espana-based cagers will now wait for the results of the remaining games of UP, FEU, and La Salle, which still have a chance to claim a semifinal seat and even the second seed.
The Tamaraws will play the UE Red Warriors, while the Fighting Maroons and the Green Archers will face off on Sunday back at the Ynares Center.
Mark Nonoy led the Tigers with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 dimes followed by another double-double from MVP candidate Soulemane Chabi Yo, who had 16 points and 15 boards.
Sabandal earned a career-high and top scored for the Falcons in a losing cause with 18 points, going 4-of-5 from 3-point land.
Adamson aims to end their season on a high note as they take on La Salle on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Box Scores:
UST 80 - Nonoy 17, Chabi Yo 16, Abando 13, Subido 12, Concepcion 8, Paraiso 5, Cansino 4, Ando 2, Huang 2, Bataller 1
ADAMSON 74 - Sabandal 18, Ahanmisi 11, Camacho 10, Douanga 7, Chauca 6, Lastimosa 6, Fermin 4, Manlapaz 3, Mojica 3, Bernardo 2, Magbuhos 2, Yerro 2, Flowers 0
Quarterscores: 26-22, 43-42, 65-55, 80-74
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