Arellano, Adamson arrange title showdown in Fr. Martin Cup jrs

MANILA, Philippines -- Arellano University turned back the National University, 91-86, while the Adamson University won over Xavier School, 86-80, Tuesday in the junior division semifinals of the 12th Fr. Martin Division 2 Cup basketball tournament at the St. Placid gymnasium of the San Beda College-Manila campus in Mendiola.

Kobe de Leon fired 16 points while Nino Tamayo drilled in 15 points for the Arellano University Braves, who arranged a finals showdown on Thursday with the Adamson Baby Falcons in this tournament being supported by Bauerfeind supports and orthoses and medical compression stockings, and Wang’s Basketball.

Rookie Jason Celis fired a game-high 34 points for the Baby Falcons, who are back in the championship round following a successful campaign last summer.

De Leon put the Braves ahead when he struck with a jumper with 37 seconds left, 87-86.

They then forced two turnovers in the remaining time, with Tamayo scoring off a steal from Paul Manalang and handing Arellano a three-point edge, 89-86.

AJ Abaya’s two charities in the last 2.2 seconds then allowed the Braves to finish with a five-point edge.

“They were in foul trouble. The breaks of the game won it for us,” said Braves coach JR Carlos.

Celis poured in 13 points in the fourth, including three consecutive baskets in the last 43.9 seconds which fueled a 8-2 windup at endgame.

"Our transition defense won it for us. Celis and his teammates  got scoring opportunities from our defense,” said Baby Falcons coach Tom Chua.

Tyler Tio and Rendell Lee led Xavier with 22 points, with Tio was held to just four in the last period, and Lee making an effort to save the day with his two treys in the last 10 minutes.