University of the East (UE) and Ateneo de Manila University wrapped up their University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87 boys’ basketball tournament campaigns on a high note at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Thursday.

Despite missing the Final Four by just one game, the Junior Warriors stunned the Mark Esperanza-less Adamson University Baby Falcons with a wire-to-wire 69-60 victory.

Meanwhile, Jay-M Leal came up clutch, sinking a go-ahead layup to lift the Blue Eagles to a thrilling 70-69 win over upset-hungry University of the Philippines Integrated School Fighting Maroons.

The Junior Warriors fell short of a Final Four berth for the 20th consecutive year, finishing their season in fifth place with a 6-8 record.

“Its’s frustrating because we’re expecting to emerge as a higher seed this season,” Junior Warriors head coach Karl Santos said.

“But it’s a learning process. I’m not tapping out when it comes to developing them or preparing them and of course, propelling the Junior Warriors back to the Final Four.”

Sizco Roquid, Martin Almanza and Dennis Dahino contributed nine points each.

On the other hand, Adamson played without lead floor general Mark Esperanza and center Jireh Tumaneng in their final elimination game before the postseason.

Baby Falcons head coach Mike Fermin opted to rest Esperanza, who averaged 16.08 points, 5.77 assists, 4.85 rebounds, and 1.62 steals in 33 minutes and 40 seconds per game, in preparation for their title defense in the playoffs.

The Baby Falcons, who finished the elims with an even 7-7 record, now await the result of the University of Santo Tomas-National University Nazareth School match to determine their semifinal opponent.

If NUNS wins, Adamson will face third-seeded FEU-D in the stepladder quarterfinal. However, if UST hands the Bullpups their first loss, Adamson will face NUNS in a traditional Final Four format.

Abayon led the Baby Falcons with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Allen Perez tallied 13 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two blocks. Earl Medina struggled with his shot, scoring 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting, but contributed six rebounds, four steals, and three assists.