UST EDGES ADAMSON IN THRILLER

By: Miguel Marco

Strong Group-powered University of Santo Tomas held off a persistent Adamson University, 87-86, to close out the first round on a high note in the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament on Saturday morning, Oct. 18, at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tiger Cubs improved to 5-2, securing sole possession of second place in the standings, while the Baby Falcons slipped to 4-3.

Miguel Jubilado led UST with 21 points and five assists, supported by Dats Datu and Gab Castro, who contributed 14 points each. Rowie Cabañero posted a double-double with 11 points and 14 assists, along with six rebounds and six steals.

Trailing 23-18 after the opening quarter, UST responded with a quick 6-0 run to seize the lead, only for Adamson’s Edison Jordan to split free throws and tie the game at 24-all. In the second quarter, Adamson went on a 14-6 run to take a 38-30 advantage, but Datu, Jubilado, and Dave Regala kept UST in contention, forcing a 45-all tie at halftime.

The teams continued trading leads in the second half. Jubilado’s layup at the end of the third quarter gave UST a narrow 67-66 edge heading into the final period. CJ Tabbuga and Castro shined in the fourth, while Jubilado sank a long three-pointer to stretch the lead to eight points, 86-78, with 2:34 remaining.

Adamson fought back with a late 6-0 run to cut the deficit to 86-84 with 18 seconds left, but UST held on for the win.

Fran Flores led Adamson with 17 points and eight assists, while Keefy Iledan tallied 16 points and 18 rebounds.

The UAAP has yet to announce the schedule for the second round of eliminations.