CJ CANSINO had 24 points including eight in overtime as University of Santo Tomas clinched a berth in the semifinals with a 73-72 win over Adamson on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 80 juniors basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Cansino's endgame heroics sent UST to the last four, arranging a stepladder playoff match against third-seed Far Eastern University on Saturday, 10 a.m. at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Back-to-back baskets by Cansino gave UST a 71-64 lead with 1:44 left in the extra period. He made a lay-up for a five-point UST lead, 73-68, with 1:11 remaining.
Adamson was able to cut UST’s lead to one point and had the final possession, but the Baby Falcons failed to come up with a shot as time expired.
Cansino also had nine rebounds and six assists, delivering a fine performance two days after it was determined is the juniors MVP for Season 80.
UST was also fresh from a close victory over FEU in the final day of the eliminations on Sunday that forced a playoff with Adamson.
“Pagdating sa Final Four, ibang usapan na ‘to. Dumadaan tayo sa butas ng karayom, ‘yung first step nakalusot tayo. I think this game, deserve ng mga bata ‘yung respect,” said Cantonjos, who steered the Tiger Cubs to its first semifinal appearance since Season 75 (2012-2013 season).
Kobe Palencia also had a big game for UST, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds and three steals. The pint-sized guard had five in the Tiger Cubs’ 6-0 run to regain the lead, 63-59, with 1:25 left in the fourth.
Joem Sabandal had 20 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and three steals for the Baby Falcons. He also forced overtime by scoring a lay-up and converting two crucial free throws with 43.7 seconds in regulation to the game at 63.
Bismarck Lina chipped in 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Rayjhun Baquial grabbed 11 rebounds for the Tiger Cubs.
Andrey Doria had 16 points, and Adam Doria had 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Baby Falcons.
The scores:
UST 73 - Cansino 24, Palencia 15, Lina 12, Baquial 7, Manabat 6, Villapando 3, Benzonan 2, Estrella 2, Narvasa 2, Relucio 0, Dolendo 0, Anunciacion 0, Dela Cruz 0.
ADU 72 - Sabandal 20, An. Doria 16, Ad. Doria 11, Hanapi 9, P. Santos 9, Manlapaz 7, Prodigo 0, Canoy 0, Baculio 0.
Quarterscores: 16-14; 32-23; 47-44; 63-63; 73-72.