Manila: Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) edged defending champion University of Santo Tomas (UST), 84-81, to secure a playoff for a Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 88 boys' basketball at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Saturday. According to Philippines News Agency, Marc Burgos delivered the go-ahead triple in the last 68 seconds after FEU-D's Simon Pulongbarit sank a three-pointer to forge an 81-all deadlock with 1:32 remaining. The Baby Tamaraws are now guaranteed at least a playoff for a semifinals slot with a 9-2 record, tied with the National University-Nazareth School (NUNS) Bullpups for first place. JB Cagurungan finished with 17 points, four rebounds, and three steals, while Cabs Cabonilas added 15 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks for the Baby Tamaraws. Prince Cariño chipped in 14 points and seven rebounds followed by Burgos, who had 13 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, and one steal. FEU-D coach Mike Reyes expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, 'We're satisfied that we pulled the game through, but even if we were up by double-digits, I am always aware that UST has the capability to come back. UST always comes back, but I am just grateful that we were able to deliver and we were able to counter when [UST] got the lead.' Kirk Cañete led UST with 21 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and two steals, while Jetlee Melano, Nigerian center Ola Ajani, and Jhon Canapi added 13 points each. Pulongbarit had 10 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. Meanwhile, second-running Ateneo de Manila University demolished Adamson University, 88-65, for an 8-3 card. The Tiger Cubs and the Baby Falcons fell into a three-way tie for fifth place with the University of the East (UE) Junior Warriors at 4-7. De La Salle Zobel beat UE, 59-47, to keep third spot at 6-5. Jude Eriobu paced Ateneo with 19 points, 18 rebounds, three blocks, and one steal. Audwyn Tamayo added 16 points, while Jay M Leal and Zane Kallos scored 13 and 11 points, respectively. Jarl Artango topscored for Adamson with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Francel Flores also had 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists. NUNS dealt winless University of the Philippines-Integrated School its 11th defeat, 92-60.