Games Saturday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
7:30 a.m. – UPIS vs DLSZ (16U)
9:30 a.m. – FEU-D vs UE (16U)
11:30 a.m. – FEU vs UE (women’s)
1:30 p.m. – FEU vs UE (men’s)
4:30 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (men’s)
7:00 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (women’s)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
Adamson mounted a searing fourth-quarter rally and stunned La Salle, 61-60, to stay in the hunt for a UAAP Season 88 Men’s Final Four berth at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19, in Pasay City.
As the crucial duel turned into a highly-emotional affair, the Falcons found ways to remain composed, especially in the fourth that saw them drop a vicious a 14-5 assault, led by Mathew Montebon, Cedrick Manzano, and Matty Erolon, to seize a 61-55 lead.
The Archers, however, refused to roll over and die as they bunched five points courtesy of Jacob Cortez and Earl Abadam to trim the deficit to 60–61 with 28.5 seconds left.
An opportunity to steal the win presented itself for the Archers after the Falcons turned the ball over.
But to their horror and to the disappointment of their supporters, Abadam missed the potential game-winner.
Adamson improved to 6-7, keeping them within the striking distance of the No. 4 Archers who slipped to 6-6.
It was a sweet revenge for the Falcons after losing to the Archers in the first round, 60-58.
“Whatever happens previously, you win or lose, saan mang sports, by the next day fresh ulit ‘yon, so today we did our part, our players did their part,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela, pertaining to the Falcons’ free-throw shooting.
“Gusto naming makaabot sa playoffs, may game pa kami, hindi pa tapos, kaya paghahandaan pa namin ‘yon,” added Erolon.
The veteran mentor also clarified that he has no issue with Mike Phillips, despite their brief exchange during a physical stretch of the game — a sequence that saw Earl Anabo whistled for an unsportsmanlike foul after hitting Vhoris Marasigan in the stomach while they battled for a rebound.
“‘Tumahimik ka muna coach’ ‘yon lang naman ang sabi nya, but I understand that’s the spur-of-the-moment thing, emotion nya siguro ‘yon,” Racela continued.
Erolon topscored for Adamson with 18 points along one rebound, five assists, while Manzano posted 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Montebon, for his part, listed 10 points, including his back-to-back baskets in the crunchtime, two rebounds, three assists, and one steal. AJ Fransman and Ray Allen Torres added seven and six points, respectively.
Marasigan uncorked 15 points, with EJ Gollena adding 10 as the players were the only twin-digit scorers for the Taft-based squad.
Jacob Cortez struggled offensively after finishing with five points along with six rebounds, and four assists, that went with seven turnovers. Skipper Mike Phillips collected seven points, 15 rebounds, two assists, and two steals in a losing effort.
The scores:
AdU (61) – Erolon 18, Manzano 15, Montebon 10, Fransman 7, Torres 6, Anabo 3, Ojarikre 2, Medina 0, A. Ronzone 0, Perez 0, Jaymalin 0, C. Ronzone 0, Demisana 0, Barcelona 0.
DLSU (60) – Marasigan 15, Gollena 10, Macalalag 8, Phillips 7, Pablo 7, Cortez 5, Abadam 5, Dungo 3, Nwankwo 0, Gomez 0.
Quarters: 17-16, 35-31, 45-50, 61-60.
