The Adamson Soaring Falcons. UAAP Media
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Adamson University remained in contention for the Final Four in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament.
This, as the Soaring Falcons trounced Ateneo de Manila University, 69-55, on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With the win, the Nash Racela-coached squad will be facing University of the East, both holding 6-8 win-loss records by the end of the elimination round, in a playoff match to fight for the right to face De La Salle University in the next round.
This would be Adamson's third straight playoff game for the last three seasons.
But for coach Nash Racela, they're always willing to take it if that's the way to salvage their campaign for a semis entry.
"We’re willing to go through that every year if that’s our shot to make it to the Final Four. We’re just thankful, really grateful that the Lord blessed us with this win today," Racela expressed in relief during the postgame press conference.
"Alam ko 'yung mga players namin really deserve it, because we still have a chance. It’s something we preach to them. As long as you do your part, you will get rewarded," he added.
The bulk of their firepower tonight came from the bench, with the second stringers tallying a total of 42 points compared to the starters' 27.
Royce Mantua top-scored for the Soaring Falcons, listing a double-digit scoring 14 points to go with two steals, while Manu Anabo chipped in 13 points, a couple of rebounds and assists. Bench player Matt Erolon also had 11 for the offense.
Meanwhile, Jared Bahay paced the losing side with 14 points, while Chris Koon had 10 markers in his last game wearing an Ateneo jersey. The Blue Eagles finished dead last with a 4-10 record.
The scores:
AdU (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.
READ: UAAP: Ateneo looks to end Adamson's Final 4 aspirations