Edison Jordan drained the go-ahead layup as Adamson University pulled off a thrilling 83-82 overtime victory over defending champion University of the East (UE), halting a two-game slide in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 88 junior high school boys’ basketball tournament on Saturday at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

Limited to just 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting, Jordan showed nerves of steel in the clutch, sinking the game’s decisive basket to propel the Baby Falcons to a 4-2 win-loss record that surpassed their last season’s total of three wins in 14 outings.

“For me, it shows their character that, yes, we may fumble and falter, but in the end, the guys will pick it up and try to win the game,” Adamson coach Dante Tongco said.

“I think the resilience of these kids are really very good.”

In the second game, University of Santo Tomas leaned on Miguel Jubilado’s 27-point explosion to erase Ateneo de Manila University’s home court advantage, 83-74.

After Fran Flores split his free throws, Adamson stayed within striking distance in overtime. Sean Felizmenia threw an errant pass to Mark Pedrigon, leaving the door open at 81-82 with 21.6 seconds remaining.

Jordan’s first attempt at the go-ahead basket was blocked by Goodluck Okebata, but the six-foot point guard from Bustos, Bulacan wasted no time redeeming himself. 

He stole the ball from Hero Delos Santos and converted the go-ahead layup with 15 seconds left, giving the Baby Falcons a slim one-point lead.

UE had one last chance to spoil Jordan’s heroics, but Adamson’s aggressive defense swarmed Okebata’s inside attempt, sealing the Baby Falcons’ fourth win in six outings.

Iledan topscored for Adamson with 19 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Vengcs Vengco added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Jordan finished with 12 points, four assists, three steals, and three rebounds, while Kyle Abas — whose and-one conversion came at the 12.5-second mark of the fourth period — contributed an all-around stat line of 10 points, eight rebounds, five blocks and four steals.