THE Adamson Baby Falcons rode on the big plays of Adam Doria in the second period to put away the University of the Philippines Integrated School Junior Maroons, 76-58, Saturday at the Arena in San Juan.
Held scoreless in the first period, Doria hit eight of 14 points in the last 10 minutes of the first half to help send the Baby Falcons to their fourth win in eight games in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines Junior Basketball Tournament.
His brother Andrey Doria led with 15 points for the Baby Falcons, who went on to gain a share of fourth place.
The Baby Falcons’ chances of earning a semifinal slot has improved after the National University, behind Rhayyan Amsali’s 21 points, regained solo second with an 86-81 conquest of defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws.
They now share the same slate with the Baby Tamaraws, who got 21 points from LJ Gonzales.
The Baby Falcons started moving ahead in the first period off Jose Sabandal’s triple and Andrey Doria’s penetration attempt, 7-4.
Then, they gained a 14-4 edge off a basket from Patrick Santos in the closing minutes of the period.
A 14-0 blast in the second period that was led by the Doria, then allowed the Baby Falcons to move away by 20, 33-13.
In another game, the Ateneo Blue Eaglets bucked a sluggish first quarter to beat University of Santo Tomas, 78-54.
Dave Ildefonso shot 20 for the Blue Eaglets as they extended their perfect winning run to eight games.
SJ Belangel had 13 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Jason Credo added 12 points, six boards and four assists for the Blue Eaglets.
Chris Calimag and Rogil Carlos teamed up for 42 points as De La Salle-Zobel overpowered the Junior Warriors, 93-74, for its third win in eight contests
Games Wednesday
(Filoil Flying V Centre)
9 a.m. – UST vs UPIS
11 a.m. – FEU vs UE
1 p.m. – DLSZ vs NU
3 p.m. – AdU vs Ateneo