Adamson dominates UE to book last Final Four ticket

Adamson University dominated the University of the East, 68-55, in the UAAP Season 87 playoff for no. 4 on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena to complete the men's basketball Final Four cast.

With the win, Adamson will face defending champion De La Salle University in the semifinals on Saturday.

The Soaring Falcons led by 15, 58-43, with 6:33 remaining in the final frame before the Red Warriors made a 5-0 run to give the Recto-based squad a glimmer of hope. 

However, UE's hopes faded as Precious Momowei had a bad fall during a mid-air collision against Monty Montebon. Momowei, stretchered off the court after being on the floor for a while, was also fouled out of the game.

Jack Cruz-Dumont's triples late in the game showed the Red Warriors' fighting spirit but time was on Adamson's side as Monty Montebon's three-pointer with less than a minute left eventually sealed the deal for the Soaring Falcons.

Cedrick Manzano had 17 points, 10 rebounds, four assits, two steals, and two blocks, while Montebon had 13 points, six assists, three rebounds, and a block.

Cruz-Dumont had 15 points, while Rainer Maga had 10 points as UE finished the season on a six-game losing skid. Before being fouled out, Momowei already registered a double-double of 11 rebounds and 10 points.

The other Final Four pairing will see the University of Santo Tomas take on no. 2 team University of the Philippines.

Scores:

Adamson 68 - Manzano 17, Montebon 13, Yerro 7, Mantua 6, Erolon 5, Anabo 5, Fransman 5, Ojarikre 4, Ramos 3, Alexander 3, Barasi 0, Ronzone 0, Dignadice 0, Barcelona 0, Ignacio 0.

UE 55 - J. Cruz-Dumont 15, Maga 10, Momowei 10, Abate 10, Fikes 9, Lingolingo 1, Wilson 0, Galang 0, Mulingtapang 0, Spandonis 0, Go 0.

Quarters: 16-10, 39-30, 52-40, 68-55.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News