MANILA – Adamson University Falcons kept their UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament Final Four hopes alive with a 69-55 victory over Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Royce Mantua spearheaded the offense with 14 points, two steals, and one assist, while Manu Anabo and Matthew Erolon contributed 13 and 11 markers, respectively, as the Falcons.
“We all know that this is gonna be our final chance to compete in the Final Four so we all really have to play our A-game and my shots came knocking down. I’m very happy we all played each other’s parts really well especially on defense,” said Mantua.
Adamson concluded the double-round eliminations with a 6-8 win-loss slate to a tie with the No. 4 ranked University of the East Red Warriors. The two teams will face each other in a knockout game for the fourth and final semis seat on Wednesday.
“We’re willing to do that every year if that’s our shot to make it to the Final Four,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela on going through the long route just to get a semis spot.
“It’s our defense. Sabi nga namin it’s our ticket to being competitive as a team which we missed the last time we played UST. We went back to our old ways today,” he continued.
Andrew Bongo tried to put some life in the Blue Eagles in the fourth frame, draining a three-pointer with 6:40 left in the contest to cut their deficit within single digit, 49-58.
But the Falcons responded with two treys courtesy of Joshua Yerro and Anabo to restore their cushion to 15, 64-49, with 4:55 remaining.
Jared Bahay finished the match with 14 points, while Chris Koon and Ian Espinosa added 10 markers apiece as the Blue Eagles ended the season at eighth and last place with 4-10 record./PN
BOX SCORE:
ADAMSON 69 – Mantua 14, Anabo 13, Erolon 11, Fransman 8, Calisay 6, Manzano 6, Yerro 5, Ramos 4, Ojarikre 2, Montebon 0, Barasi 0, Ronzone 0, Dignadice 0, Barcelona 0, Alexander 0, Ignacio 0.
ATENEO 55 – Bahay 14, Espinosa 10, Koon 10, Porter 7, Bongo 4, Tuano 4, Lazaro 3, Quitevis 2, Ong 1, Gamber 0, Espina 0, Asoro 0, Edu 0, Reyes 0.
Quarterscores: 16-15, 37-33, 51-46, 69-55.
