UAAP: NU nips Adamson (7:24 p.m.)

MANILA -- National University is on track in posting their best basketball campaign in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) since 2001 after tripping the highly-favored Adamson quintet, 62-59, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City Saturday night.

Following their end-game demise against title-favorite Far Eastern University (FEU) last Thursday, the Bulldogs showed no signs of weariness as graduating player Jewel Ponferrada fired a booming triple with 2.9 seconds left to down the spirits of the Falcons.

Lester Alvarez tried to force an overtime but his desperate three-pointer missed the rim to the delight of the Sampaloc-based cagers who celebrated the game as if they won their second championship crown after a 56-year drought.

“This is the first time that I became joyful after winning a match. I’m really happy with this win despite of not making it to the Final Four. I just told my players not to be overwhelmed by pressure,” said debuting coach Eric Gonzales.

The Bulldogs last joined the Final Four bus in 2001 when it defeated University of the East (UE) in the playoffs with both teams sporting an identical 7-7 (win-loss) slate.

NU finished the 70th season (2007-2008) with a 6-8 card.

Ponferrada joined Emmanuel Mbe for a game-high 11 points, six rebounds and a block while rookie Joseph Terso added nine points.

Mbe made back-to-back stabs to tie the knot at 57-all while Joseph Hermosisima put NU on top, 59-57 with 1:13 remaining. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)