NATIONAL University (NU) turned back a hard-fighting De La Salle-Zobel, 82-67, to claim the first Final Four berth on Wednesday in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 81 juniors basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Junior Archers were in the game in the first three quarters until Gerry Abadiano took over for the Bullpups in the payoff period by dropping 11 of his game-high 20 points.
Abadiano also pulled down 15 rebounds and dished out four assists for NU, which chalked up its 10th win in 11 contests.
Unbeaten in the second round, the Bullpups won despite the ejection of Terrence Fortea late in the first period.
Titleholder Ateneo and Far Eastern University (FEU)-Diliman handily hurdled their lower-ranked foes to stay level in the chase for the No. 2 seed in the semifinals.
Kai Sotto had 18 points, 11 rebounds and five assists before sitting out the fourth quarter, as Ateneo overwhelmed University of the Philippines Integrated School, 115-68, while FEU-Diliman, with Xyrus Torres leading the way with 24 points, made quick work of University of the East, 99-82.
Ateneo and FEU-Diliman improved to 8-3 won-lost and assured themselves of a semifinals playoff berth.
The Blue Eaglets exploded for 44 points in the first period to put the game beyond reach and post the highest scoring output this season.
“I challenged our boys and I told them we’re dead last in three-point shooting, percentage-wise, so they did the extra work,” said Coach Reggie Varilla whose wards nailed 16 triples. “It showed in the first quarter and that was a big boost.”
Forthsky Padrigao also had a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds to go with seven assists and two steals for the Blue Eaglets.
JB Sajonia, RJ Abarrientos and Mario Barasi combined for 47 points for the Baby Tamaraws.
Joem Sabandal had 23 points and 11 rebounds as Adamson University opened a two-game lead over University of Santo Tomas in the race for the last Final Four berth with a 69-67 victory.
The Baby Falcons, coming off a 71-112 trashing at the hands of the Bullpups, overcame a dismal eight-point fourth quarter to improve to 7-4 and dropped the fifth-running Tiger Cubs to 5-6.