Adamson moves closer to PCCL hoop semis

THE Adamson Soaring Falcons are a breath away from making the Final Four of the 2012 Philippine Collegiate Champions League as they dethroned the reigning champions San Sebastian Stags, 88-79, in the stepladder phase of the tournament yesterday at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Stags and the Falcons are fresh off their southern sojourn to Cebu last week, wherein they prevailed over National University and La Salle, respectively, to set up this match-up.

The Falcons proved to be the better squad as they pulled away in the fourth period behind the play of budding star Jericho Cruz.

Cruz scored a whopping 37 points, 25 of which came after halftime, as the Falcons took full control of the lead in the payoff period after leading by just one, 63-62, at the end of the third.

They are now awaiting the winner of the game between the Letran Knights and the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, which was still being played in as of press time.

The Falcons are after the last spot in the Final Four. Already there are the UAAP champions Ateneo, the NCAA winners San Beda and the Southern Islands champions Southwestern University.

Meanwhile, in the exhibition matches dubbed as “Game of Junior Champs,” the NCAA titlists San Beda Red Cubs made mincemeat out of Cesafi champions  Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles, 118-58. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio