(Martin San Diego / FCF)

Different matches, identical finishes.

University of the East and season hosts Adamson University claimed separate two-point victories in Saturday’s UAAP Season 76 twinbill at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Led by the late-game heroics of Ralf Olivares, the Red Warriors narrowly edged De La Salle University by a count of 85-83 in a tightly contested first game.

The rookie hailing from Cagayan de Oro overhauled a four-point deficit in a span of five seconds on a pair of made free throws, then immediately followed with a clutch three-pointer off Thomas Torres’ costly error to put UE up 81-82 with 42.3 left on the game clock.

Right after super sub Dan Alberto converted two freebies off Jeric Teng’s foul, Luigi De La Paz connected on what initially appeared to be a three-pointer from the left wing, but was immediately ruled as a long two-pointer.

With Olivares managing to complete a split on the foul line in an insuing foul from De La Paz, Thomas Torres had one last try to tie the game, but saw his floater from inside the foul line draw iron at the buzzer.

During that final minute of the ballgame alone, Olivares completed six of his eight points in the contest.

“They (players) need to play above pressure, they need to play above their egos, they need to play above injuries,” said UE head coach Boycie Zamar, who was visibly dissatisfied with the result but appreciated the effort of his wards. “They have to be more matured this time.”

Roi Sumang, who is nursing an assortment of injuries, led the way for the Red Warriors with 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Charles Mammie added 19 points and 16 rebounds to the tally.

Leading the Archers’ charge was Almond Vosotros, who put up 26 points on a torrid 11-for-19 clip from the field in a losing cause.

Cruz, Cabrera leads Falcons narrowly past Bulldogs

Meanwhile, the Falcons move up to a 3-2 card following a 68-66 squeaker over National University in the day’s late afternoon fixture.

Despite being engaged in a nip-and-tuck battle throughout the contest, the Bulldogs fought valiantly to overcome the challenge by the San Marcelino squad.

But impressive performances from veterans Jericho Cruz and Roider Cabrera, along with a cameo appearance by Don Trollano enabled the Falcons to walk away with the win.

“Every game is a hard game for us because they know they cannot take us for granted,” said Adamson head coach Leo Austria of the close victory.

Following Cruz’s 12 point third quarter explosion, Trollano made his presence felt with all of his seven points during the final canto to keep Adamson in pace with their Sampaloc-based rival.

“Tonight nabuo siya. Halos wala siyang turnover sa laro. It seems na alam na alam niya kung anong gagawin,” beamed Austria of Trollano’s near-perfect performance.

Following his teammate’s lead, Cruz hit timely jumpers heading into the final minute of play to put the Falcons up for good, 68-63.

With Bobby Ray Parks converting on a three-point play to cut down NU’s deficit to just two, compounded by two missed free throws from Cabrera, Robin Roño managed to put up one last try from beyond the arc that fell short as time expired.

Cruz posted 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Cabrera drained 12 points on 5-for-7 shooting to headline Adamson’s top performers.

Emmanuel Mbe, on the other hand, scored 17 points to go along with 11 rebounds, seven of them off the offensive glass. Parks added 15 points, 12 of which came in the second half, coupled with 13 rebounds and six assists in the loss. (With reports from Diego de la Paz)

THE SCORES