Ateneo takes top seed, Adamson to face La Salle for last Final Four spot

Ateneo de Manila University took the top spot in the Final Four of UAAP Season 85 after taking down Adamson University, 66-61, on Wednesday in the tournament's final elimination game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Soaring Falcons made a late rally in the fourth period to inch closer, 62-61, before Ange Kouame scored to give Ateneo a three-point lead. Joem Sabandal and Joaquin Jaymalin tried to steal the game from the blue and white before BJ Andrade sank his free throws to seal the top spot.

Kai Ballungay registered 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Ange Kouame also had a double-double with 12 points and 12 boards. BJ Andrade made 13 points in the Ateneo win.

AP Manlapaz led the Falcons with 22 points and five boards, while Jerom Lastimosa made 10 points and eight rebounds.

The Katipunan-based squad ended the elimination round on a six-game winning streak, with a total of 11 wins and three losses, while Adamson and La Salle tied their standings at seven wins and seven losses.

With the Ateneo win, Adamson will face De La Salle University on Sunday in the playoff for the last Final Four spot. The winner of the said game will face Ateneo, which has a twice-to-beat bonus, in the Final Four. 

University of the Philippines (11-3), also with a playoff bonus, will face third-seeded National University (9-5) in the semifinals.

The scores:

Ateneo 66 -- Ballungay 18, Andrade 13, Kouame 12, Koon 7, Padrigao 6, Ildefonso 3, Gomez 3, Chiu 2, Lazaro 2, Garcia 0, Quitevis 0, Daves 0.

Adamson 61 -- Manlapaz 22, Lastimosa 10, Douanga 7, Hanapi 5, Flowers 5, Manzano 4, Yerro 4, Sabandal 2, V. Magbuhos 2, Colonia 0, Jaymalin 0, Barasi 0, Fuentebella 0, Barcelona 0, Torres 0, W. Magbuhos 0.

Quarters: 17-16, 33-27, 49-41, 66-61.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News