The USI Falcons soared past the AdNU Golden Knights, 67–54, in the elimination round of BUCAL Season 8 at the UNC Sports Palace, extending their unbeaten run to 7–0 while dropping the Golden Knights to a 3–3 record.
The 11th of October game opened with AdNU's possession, as Angelo Domingo and JB Basagre delivered early baskets at the 9:12 and 8:34 marks, respectively. The USI Falcons quickly answered with their first basket, setting the tone for a more competitive opening quarter.
Domingo, Basagre, JC Claro, and Ratilla contributed offensively for the Golden Knights, while former Golden Knights Rodney Fulgar, together with Justin San Gabriel, and Carmelo Grabata paced the Falcons' scoring efforts as they gradually built their lead.
Despite their early scoring contributions, the Golden Knights struggled to find their rhythm, with lapses in coordination disrupting their offensive execution. The Falcons capitalized on these struggles, imposing a tight defensive scheme that limited their opponent's scoring opportunities and allowed USI to maintain its advantage throughout the opening period.
The first-quarter action ended with the Falcons, 15-10.
John Francis Ranin scored the first two points of the second quarter, but Sumadsas immediately responded with two points, followed by a three-pointer from Hasibor—a sequence that prompted Coach Noel Ordas to call a timeout for Ateneo.
The Golden Knights appeared disorganized and struggled to counter the Falcons' aggressive style of play. Ranin, Domingo, Basagre, Guarin, and Razon combined their efforts to put points on the board for the Golden Knights, while Batangas and Doloso sustained the Falcons' momentum.
Both teams struggled to score during the second half, relying largely on penalties to put points on the board.
The second quarter proved even more chaotic for the Golden Knights, yet they managed to score despite the immense difficulty, ending it with 30-23, with the Falcons still in the lead.
Coach Noel remarked during the halftime break, "The Falcons has their advantage, but we also have our own advantage. We are doing great, but gain has not yet over, and kapag nasa loob ka na ay wag kang matakot na umatake."
He added, "In the second half, we can expect an even more determined Golden Knights squad ready to make a statement."
Ratilla, Razon, Ranin, Basagre, and Claro joined forces to narrow the gap, but Burse, Pasada, and Fulgar thwarted the Golden Knights' efforts, extending their lead during the third quarter.
The Golden Knights also struggled to convert on their chances due to USI's exceptional defense. Every time they scored, the Falcons answered immediately, with teams trading baskets throughout the quarter.
In the final quarter, the Falcons hit back-to-back three-pointers courtesy of Burce and Ravalo, making it even more difficult for the Golden Knights to close the scoring gap.
Judd Tino and Basagre gave a striking attempt to take the lead against the Falcons, but their efforts fell short. Basagre emerged as the top scorer of the final quarter, tallying 8 points—including two free throws.
The Golden Knights squandered numerous opportunities in the fourth quarter, allowing the Falcons to pull further ahead and secure a 67–54 victory.
While this wasn't the outcome the Golden Knights community had expected, hopes still remain as they turn the tide in their favor in the remaining games of the elimination.
