MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 2) Ateneo de Manila University reasserted its longstanding mastery over Adamson University, 55-52, to claim solo second and secure a coveted spot in the Final Four.
Ryan Buenafe and Nico Salva both posted double-double performances to propel the Eagles in a highly defensive match to their 27th straight victory over the Falcons dating back to 1997.
Buenafe dished out 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Salva contributed 13 markers and additional 12 boards.
The Falcons looked like they were about to snap a 13-year skid as they snatched the lead halfway through the payoff period, but the defending champions crawled back and proved to be steadier in the end game.
National University kept its Final Four hopes alive with a 69-68 victory over University of the East.
Emmanuel Mbe finished with a near double-double of 18 points and nine boards for the Bulldogs, who have a chance to snatch the fourth spot if they win all their remaining games and for La Salle to drop all of theirs.
The Bulldogs squandered a 66-58 lead with two minutes left, but recovered with crucial free throws in the end game.
The Red Warriors ended their campaign with a 4-8 record.
source:inquirer
Subject: UAAP: Eagles keep firm grip on second spot; Bulldogs keep semis bid alive 
Mon Aug 30, 2010 9:42 am
