Adamson punches 1st UAAP juniors’ finals ticket in 20 years

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Adamson Baby Falcons capped off its magical UAAP Season 85 juniors basketball tournament run after earning its first-ever grand finals seat in 20 long years.

Adamson increased its chances of taking this season’s crown after edging the tough University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Cubs, 62-55, during the semifinal knockout round last March 7, 2023, held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

It was a physical affair to handle for the Baby Falcons as the Tiger Cubs ramped their defensive game up in the opening quarter.

However, Adamson displayed their well-oiled offensive artillery after regaining their shooting rhythm midway through the second quarter.

The Baby Falcons then continued their onslaught in the third when they outscored UST, 16-9, and carried the much-needed momentum heading into the final canto.

Despite the efficient offense Adamson was running, the Tiger Cubs refused to back down and answered with a huge counter-run at the sixth-minute mark of the fourth.

Needing someone who can carry the load and finish the game for the Baby Falcons, superstar Vince Reyes answered the call and knocked down clutch shots in the last three minutes to fend off UST’s final offensive run.

Reyes led the Baby Falcons with 21 big points built from 10/21 shooting from the field alongside nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Justine Garcia, one of the most reliable members of Adamson’s deadly second unit, added 14 markers, seven assists, and three steals.

The Baby Falcons are now awaiting the winner between the Nazareth-NU Bullpups and the FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws squad.

NU forced a rubber match after winning the first encounter, 93-82, and will look to finish the series and book the last grand finals spot on March 10, 2023.