Matt Erolon played the hero’s role, draining the game-winning three-pointer in the last 2.6 seconds to shock University of Santo Tomas (UST), 97-96, in overtime of Season 88 University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Erolon’s heroics lifted the Falcons to a 5-4 record tied with their victim to move within just a game behind second-running defending champion University of the Philippines.     

In the second game, De La Salle University sustained its hot form as it booked an 84-72 win over University of the East for its fourth straight win.

Luis Pablo fired 16 points and six rebounds while Mike Phillips added 14 markers and 12 boards for the Green Archers who are on track for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four with a 6-3 win-loss card.

Down, 94-96, Matthew Montebon found an open Erolon who let fly the long bomb while being fouled by Nic Cabañero.

Although Erolon missed his bonus free throw, it was enough for the Falcons to walk away victorious after Tigers guard Forthsky Padrigao missed his half-court prayer.

“We’re building grit. I gathered the team after the game and thanked them for not giving up. I remember back in the first-round thinking, ‘How are we going to beat UST if we play like this?’ Today, we were a bit off and it was a struggle… but it’s great that our players stepped up and played for each other,” Adamson head coach Nash Racela said.

Adamson completed an elimination round sweep of UST and fueled its Final Four run.