Adamson snaps UP's hot streak, joins logjam for 4th

Jerom Lastimosa was clutch again. UAAP Media Bureau

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Adamson brought the upset ax on Thursday night as the team ended the University of the Philippines' hot run in the UAAP men's basketball tournament with a 66-58 win at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The Soaring Falcons weathered the Fighting Maroons' second-half comeback as Jerom Lastimosa showed why he is now among the league's top closers.

Adamson broke away in the first half, opening a 30-13 lead to the shock of many who tipped UP to take the win.

The Fighting Maroons slowly clawed their way back to the ballgame in the second half and were within just two, 57-59, with 36.8 seconds remaining in the game.

But Lastimosa, who missed a game-winning three-pointer during their first-round encounter, shut them down for good with a dagger trey with 23.3 seconds to go.

Lastimosa, who only had five points in the first 30 minutes, got eight more in the fourth quarter and led the Soaring Falcons, who won for the third straight time, with 13 alongside five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks.

Ahmad Hanapi added 12 points and two rebounds as Adamson just forced a three-way tie for fourth place with Far Eastern University and National University at 4-6.

Ricci Rivero led UP, which saw its eight-game winning streak snapped and fell to 8-2, with 14 points, five rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno