THE UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Final Four is still to be determined, as both Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles and Adamson University Soaring Falcons accomplished their responsibilities successfully.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
The Ateneo Blue Eagles defeated another Final Four contender, the UE Red Warriors, in a close game, 80-74 but the highlight of yesterday’s quadruple header was the Soaring Falcons’ 68-62 upset over the Final Four-bound NU Bulldogs.
The Soaring Falcons climbed to 6-7, one game behind fourth-placed Ateneo de Manila University, which is currently 7-6 in the tournament’s late elimination-round standings.
Ateneo holds on to Final Four
Ateneo de Manila University continues to turn their season around after winning three consecutive games, sending home the Precious Momowei-less UE Red Warriors and extending their hold onto fourth place, in their second-to-final UAAP game.
The Blue Eagles were propelled by the scorching shooting of spitfire point guard Jared Brown, who finished the game with 21 points and six triples.
“I just feel like we weren’t as locked in and personally, I made some turnovers that I made because I wasn’t locked in and that’s what killed us,” said Brown of their fourth period performance.
Despite the win, Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin highlighted what his team was unable to accomplish during the game.
“I thought we looked a little bit disinterested today. There was no excuse for that. It’s disappointing turning the ball over as much as we did and not be more dominant in the rebounding when they’re missing Precious and we had a significant size disadvantage,” he said.
Kai Ballungay matched Brown’s 15 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Joseph Obasa scored 13, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked two shots.
Falcons still alive
The Adamson Soaring Falcons held on for dear life, startling their opponent NU Bulldogs and the entire UAAP community with a crucial victory.
“It’s always tough when you face NU. Over the years, laging ganyan ‘yung game [namin], close. I was surprised when I looked at the stats. We outrebounded them 42-34,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.
The Soaring Falcons showed their tenacity yet again, grabbing a total of 42 rebounds, 31 of which were defensive. “They’re a great rebounding team kaya nagulat ako, and I think this is probably one of the reasons why we gave ourselves a chance today,” Racela added.
Didat Hanapi led the Soaring Falcons in scoring with 13 points and six rebounds. The scoring guard said the squad was merely trying to give back to the community that had been so supportive.
“Siguro bumabawi lang talaga kami sa mga taong walang sawang sumusuporta sa amin. Hindi kami napapagod, kada nagti-training kami sila ang inisip namin,” said Hanapi. “Nagtiwala kami sa gusto ni Coach Nash, sa sistema.”
Despite the absence of Joem Sabandal for two games in a row, Matthew Montebon stepped up with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists. Ced Manzano chipped in with 12 points, three rebounds and two blocks of his own.
Final Four race
The heated race for the Final Four continues, with all contenders securing their respective slots and advantages. The league must now finish the remaining games before determining who stays and who goes.
If the Blue Eagles defeat the DLSU Green Archers, they will theoretically advance to the Final Four. If they lose and Adamson wins against the UE Red Warriors on Sunday, a playoff for the fourth slot would be held.
If the Green Archers defeat the defending champions, they will be guaranteed at least a playoff for twice-to-beat advantage. If NU loses to UP on Sunday, they will be ranked second.
As chaotic as it may seem, DLSU beating Ateneo and NU beating UP will create a three-way tie for first place, with three of these teams holding an 11-3 win-loss record.
DLSU has the advantage as they lead the quotient system. If this scenario plays out, the Green Archers will be the top seed unless the Bulldogs beat the Fighting Maroons in a blowout win.
On Saturday, Ateneo will conclude the elimination round against archrival De La Salle University at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Adamson will face the recently eliminated Red Warriors at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday.
