De La Salle University prevailed over Adamson University, 61-58, in the UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Saturday afternoon, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
La Salle was able to erect a 43-33 lead at the 5:12 mark of the third quarter because of Joaqui Manuel’s 10 points. However, Joem Sabandal’s free throws capped off Adamson’s 7-0 run as the Green Archers entered the final quarter with a 45-40 edge.
However, the Soaring Falcons came roaring back in the fourth quarter as a Cedrick Manzano basket capped off an 8-0 run that allowed Adamson to lead 45-53 with 5:11 remaining in the ballgame.
The Green Archers then cut the deficit to 52-53 off a 7-0 run ignited by four unanswered points from rookie center Michael Phillips. Deschon Winston then released a floater with 51.4 seconds left to give La Salle a 56-55 edge.
Off a timeout, the Soaring Falcons looked to regain the advantage but a block from Justine Baltazar, which led to a three from Evan Nelle increased La Salle’s cushion to 59-55 with 16.3 seconds left.
Adamson, though, remained in the hunt for the when Keith Zaldivar converted a three with 10.4 seconds left to keep La Salle honest. In the next possession, Manuel was fouled and he sunk both free throws to seal the win.
There is still no word as to who both teams will face to kickstart their second-round campaigns. La Salle ends the first round with a 5-2 record, its best start since the 2017 season, while Adamson does so with 2-5.
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