Shorthanded Falcons bow to La Salle in UAAP Final Four
Date Posted: December 2, 2024 at 04:16 PM
The Soaring Falcons gave a valiant fight but fell short against defending champions De La Salle University, 55-70, in the UAAP 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four on the evening of December 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The loss ends Adamson’s campaign this season, which saw them reach the playoff phase for the first time in recent years.
Missing key players Jhon Calisay and AJ Fransman due to illness, the fourth-seeded Falcons faced an uphill battle against the top-seeded Green Archers.
Royce Mantua led the charge for the Falcons with 14 points, while Cedrick Manzano contributed 13 points and nine rebounds.
Despite the absence of two of their rotation pieces, Adamson showed flashes of brilliance late in the game with an 11-0 run led by Mantua, and Manzano, cutting La Salle’s lead to 63-50 with under four minutes left in the final frame.
However, the Green Archers’ balanced attack, led by reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao’s 14 points, proved too much to overcome.
Head coach Nash Racela acknowledged the team’s effort despite the challenges, noting the strides the program has made this season, especially making the Final Four despite receiving unfavorable expectations from pundits.
This season also marked the final campaign for seniors Calisay, Eli Ramos, Mario Barasi, and Joshua Yerro.
The Scores:
DLSU 70 – Quiambao 14, David 11, Phillips 8, Ramiro 7, Marasigan 6, Dungo 5, Gonzales 5, Agunanne 4, Dungo 4, Konov 4, Austria 2, Macalalag 0, Gollena 0, Alian 0.
AdU 55 – Mantua 14, Manzano 13, Anabo 6, Yerro 6, Erolon 5, Ramos 3, Dignadice 3, Ojarikre 2, Barasi 2, Montebon 1, Alexander 0, Barcelona 0, Ignacio 0, Ronzone 0.
Quarterscores: 11-18, 36-17, 34-59, 55-70
