With a spot in the Final Four on the line, Cedrick Manzano delivered his best performance of UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball tournament.
The 6-foot-4 big man tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks as Adamson University secured the fourth seed by eliminating the University of the East in a playoff, 68-55, on Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
However, those numbers were just a bonus.
Manzano’s primary task in this do-or-die clash was to neutralize the Red Warriors’ dominant presence in the paint – Precious Momowei.
And he executed that task flawlessly.
The 21-year-old Adamson power forward held the Nigerian center scoreless in the first half, during which the Falcons soared from a 10-2 deficit to a commanding 39-30 halftime lead.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Thankful ako dahil nakalaban ko si Precious ngayon na isa sa malalakas na bigs. Pinag-aralan ko lang ‘yung pinagawa ng coaches kung paano i-stop si Momowei, so doon lang ako nag-focus,” said Manzano.
A tougher challenge, however, looms for the Romblon native in the Final Four as Adamson faces the twice-to-beat De La Salle University.
Manzano is expected to be the primary defender against Mike Phillips – one of the most tireless and active big men in the UAAP. Phillips’ relentless energy and tenacity were key factors in the Green Archers’ impressive 12-2 elimination-round record.
“Expectation ko talaga, lalo si Mike Phillips, hard work talaga. Grabe rumebound ‘yun, so dapat mas higitan ko pa yung rebound nila at dapat, sana magawa ko,” shared the 6-foot-4 Manzano about his looming showdown with 6-foot-8 Phillips.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Their Final Four showdown is scheduled for Saturday at 6:30 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. There, Adamson aims to pull off an upset against La Salle.
In their two elimination-round match-ups, the Green Archers dominated the Soaring Falcons, 82-52 and 70-45.
“Lesson namin sa game na ito ay kung paano kami maging consistent from first to fourth. Mahalaga ‘yun para sa amin kasi magiging malaking tulong ‘yun against La Salle,” said Manzano.
