Amiel Acido breaks out vs Adamson as UST returns to Final Four; UP ends two-game skid

Amiel Acido waxed hot to help the University of Santo Tomas return to the Final Four after defeating Adamson University, 75-49, on Saturday in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Growling Tigers are back in the Final Four after a five-year absence as they last entered the semis in Season 82 back in 2019.

Acido, the NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball MVP, drilled four triples and made five out of six from the field en route to a season-high 14-point outing.

The rookie out of University of Perpetual Help System DALTA connected two of his four treys in the third quarter where the Growling Tigers scored 23 points and limited Adamson University to just four points. 

"Grateful ako sa blessings na dumating sa akin and ako sa binigay na opportunity ni Coach Pido. Matagal ko rin inantay 'yun so nung binigyan ako ng chance, binuhos ko na lahat," Acido said after his breakout game as he also dedicated the win to those who support the team and his seniors.

Nic Cabañero had 13 points, while Mo Tounkara had 11 points and 14 boards as UST improved to 7-7 to secure the third squad. UST will face the University of the Philippines in the Final Four.

Monty Montebon had 14 points as Adamson slipped to 5-8.

Earlier, the University of the Philippines ended its two-game skid at the expense of Far Eastern University, 86-78.

Gerry Abadiano had a season-high 19 points, while JD Cagulangan and Francis Lopez had 12 points apiece as the Fighting Maroons improved to 10-3.

Jorick Bautista had 16 points while Janrey Pasaol and Veejay Pre had 15 points each as the Tamaraws were booted out of the semis race for the third straight season.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News