MANILA – Matthew Montebon drilled a game-winner as Adamson University Falcons stayed alive in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball Final Four race with an 63-61 win over University of the East Red Warriors on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Down 60-61 with 2.7 seconds left, Montebon caught the ball from the sideline, faced up Red Warriors’ Abdul Sawat, and knocked down a clutch stepback triple to give his side the lead.
Off a timeout, Red Warriors’ Jack Cruz-Domont caught a crosscourt inbound for a wide-open look. However, his attempt only hit the side of the board as Adamson forced a knockout for the fourth and final semifinals seat against Ateneo Blue Eagles.
“I was just in the zone during that play,” said Montebon, who finished with 16 points built on four treys to go with seven rebounds and two assists for the Falcons, which improved to a 7-7 win-loss slate.
“When I got it, I didn’t know who was behind me. So I just did a step-back corner (three). I thought I missed because I just threw it up and fell down but luckily it went in,” he added.
Cedrick Manzano finished with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, to go with four steals, while Vince Magbuhos also chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds for the Falcons.
“I like how it ended,” said Falcons head coach Nash Racela. “Walang script dun ah. UE really made it tough for us. Some would say really chamba. I won’t deny that. Mukha namang chamba talaga.”
“I think from the very beginning that’s what we emphasized to our players that there are no freebies in this world. You have to earn everything. You have to take it if you want it. Today we thank UE for allowing us to do that. Talagang pinahirapan kami,” he added.
Rey Remogat flirted with a triple-double as he produced 16 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, Precious Momowei produced 15 points and 11 rebounds while Cruz-Dumont contributed 13 points, four rebounds, and three steals for UE (4-10).
University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons secured the top-spot in the Final Four, while De La Salle University Green Archers and National University Bulldogs occupy the second and third spots, respectively./PN
BOX SCORE:
ADAMSON 63 – Montebon 16, Manzano 16, Magbuhos 10, Yerro 8, Hanapi 5, Ojarikre 3, Erolon 3, Barcelona 2, Colonia 0, Ramos 0, Barasi 0, Anabo 0.
UE 61 – Remogat 16, Momowei 15, Cruz-Dumont 13, Galang 5, Lingolingo 3, Tulabut 3, Gilbuena 3, Maglupay 2, Sawat 1, Langit 0, Alcantara 0, Spandonis 0.
Quarterscores: 16-16, 37-29, 45-47, 63-61.
