De La Salle University became the first team to secure a Final Four spot in UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball, delivering a commanding 70-45 victory over Adamson University on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The defending champions Green Archers improved their record to a league-best 9-1, extending their winning streak to six games.
They also secured a postseason berth with four games remaining in the elimination round.
La Salle pulled away in the second quarter, thanks to Joshua David’s hot shooting. David drained three triples and added a two-pointer, leading the Green Archers to a dominant 25-11 quarter.
By halftime, they held a commanding 42-22 advantage.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
This win further cemented La Salle’s dominance over Adamson, whom they also defeated in their first-round encounter, 82-52.
“These young men did what they were supposed to do, which is compete against one of the best programs led by coach Nash Racela,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson, who gave playing time to all 15 of his players.
“We still have a lot of work to do, but I love seeing other guys step up, not just the regulars.”
Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao led the Green Archers with 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Meanwhile, David contributed 11 points, all of which came in the second quarter.
Henry Agunanne and Raven Gonzales chipped in eight points each.
“We’re very happy na nakuha namin ‘yung Final Four spot pero tulad ng sinasabi ni coach, marami pa kaming dapat iimprove and then move on sa next game namin. Focus lang sa kung anong kaya namin i-focus, one game at a time lang kami lagi,“ said Quiambao.
La Salle now turns its attention to its highly anticipated second-round match-up against archrival Ateneo de Manila University, scheduled for next Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons suffered their fourth straight defeat, dropping to 3-6. They are now in a three-way tie for fifth to seventh place with Ateneo and Far Eastern University.
Cedrick Manzano was the lone bright spot for Adamson, scoring 14 points while adding four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Adamson will aim to snap its losing streak when it faces Ateneo on Wednesday at the MOA Arena.
The Scores:
DLSU 70 – Quiambao 17, David 11, Gonzales 8, Agunanne 8, Austria 6, Gollena 5, Dungo 3, Konov 3, I. Phillips 3, M. Phillips 2, Macalalag 2, Alian 2, Ramiro 0, Marasigan 0, Rubico 0.
AdU 45 – Manzano 14, Fransman 8, Erolon 5, Ramos 4, Ojarikre 3, Anabo 3, Montebon 2, Mantua 2, Yerro 2, Ignacio 2, Calisay 0, Ronzone 0, Alexander 0, Barasi 0, Dignadice 0, Barcelona 0.
Quarterscores: 17-11, 42-22, 59-36, 70-45.
