A TOUGH matchup awaits spectators today as the fiery De La Salle Green Archers look to win their fifth straight game against the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
The final game of the quadruple header UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament will be held at 6 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Last Sunday, the Green Archers defeated the top-seeded UP Fighting Maroons, 88-79, spearheaded by MVP leader Kevin Quiambao. The Taft-based club is on a roll, having defeated several top-seeded teams including the gritty NU Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, the Adamson Soaring Falcons increased the chances for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers to be eliminated with a 61-53 deciding victory on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
La Salle on a roll
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
In the second round of the season, the Green Archers defeated every opponent in their path. With four games remaining, La Salle is in a three-way tie for the twice-to-beat advantage with the University of the Philippines and National University.
Fortunately, the Taft-based team has sophomore star Quiambao. In the previous game, he had a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds against the powerful UP.
Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson is expecting a lot from their opponent, the Soaring Falcons, as they prepare for their battle. “We know that Adamson is a well-coached team. We know Coach Nash and the rest of the coaching staff are really good,” he said.
“Sa amin palagi, we always have to run our own race. Kumbaga we don’t really put so much energy or attention on the other team that we are playing, it’s about us,” added the coach.
“We don’t have control over what Adamson will do this Wednesday, but we have total control on what we’re going to do. And that is to really play together, and really enjoy this opportunity,” said Robinson, emphasizing that the squad will do everything they can and prepare thoroughly for the clash.
AdU in the final four?
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
The Soaring Falcons hope to repeat their miraculous Final Four run from last season. The club now sits in fourth place with a 5-5 win-loss record. Adamson’s closest rival, the Ateneo Blue Eagles, is only a game behind the Soaring Falcons.
“We’re pretty much in the hunt just like the other team that you want in the Final Four,” said coach Nash Racela. “Again, there’s expectation and there’s reality. Ang reality is always based on what’s happening.”
Despite the rigorous second round run by most of the teams, Racela is pleased with how things are progressing. “Right now, we’re happy that we’re competing and we have a chance in the Final Four kahit na hindi kami yung ine-expect na makapasok,” he said.
Despite missing standout guard Jerom Lastimosa this season due to ACL rupture, the Falcons are counting on dependable two-guard Joshua Yerro to carry them to the Final Four.
La Salle easily trounced Adamson in the first round, 71-58, after going on a spectacular 23-0 run in the third quarter that buried the Soaring Falcons.
With the UAAP Season 86 progressively entering the deep seas of the second round, we can expect teams to continue to bring their A-games to make a run for a Final Four spot.
The main question is whether the Green Archers can rely on Quiambao’s outstanding play for their fifth win, or whether the Soaring Falcons would be able to seek their revenge and increase their chances of making it to the final four.
Let’s all wait for the tip-off!
