IT was a tough match between the Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas, with only a few leads in the first three quarters of the game. But the Soaring Falcons was able to pull away and exploded in the last period and clinched the final four spot, 76-61 on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Falcons were only up by six points in the third quarter when Robbie Manalang and Sean Manganti pushed for the win halfway through the last period and kept the Growling Tigers at bay, 20-11 that led Adamson to a 67-52 advantage.
Adamson now focuses on the playoff berth as they improved to a 7-5 win-loss record and joins the De La Salle University, Ateneo De Manila University and Far Eastern University in the Final Four of the UAAP Men’s basketball tournament.
With a 7-5 record on their cards, the Falcons shattered the Final Four hopes of National University and University of the Philippines.
Adamson will enter the playoffs once again, their first time since season 74.
“I think we’re now living the dream,” said Adamson Coach Franz Pumaren. He added that the Falcons surprised a lot of basketball fans, considering that his team is a group of young players.
The Soaring Falcons hopes to win against their two remaining games against Ateneo and NU and aims for the second seed with a twice-to-beat advantage in the final four.
Manalang and Jerrick Ahanmisi led Adamson with 16 points apiece, while big man Papi Sarr was limited to seven points, but still made it big in the rebound with 18.
UST Coach Boy Sablan on the other hand, surprised the crowd sitting out team captain Louie Vigil, Marvin Lee and Renzo Subido in the first half of the game.
Jon Sheriff had 13 points with Kent Lao adding 12 for the Tigers.
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