UAAP: Adamson survives La Salle, lives to fight another day in Final Four hunt

Adamson University set the anchor down when it mattered most, defeating De La Salle University, 61-60, on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

This important victory pushed the San Marcelino squad to a six and seven win-loss card, staying in the hunt for a Final Four spot. Meanwhile, La Salle drops to an equal six-six record with two games to play.

Matty Erolon continued his hot patch of form, leading all scorers with 18 points while also dishing out five assists. Reliable forward Cedrick Manzano swiftly followed suit with 15 markers and nine boards.

Feeling relieved after a hotly contested matchup, Adamson tactician Nash Racela is thankful that their playoff hopes are still within their hands.

“We’re just happy to still be alive. We made it clear in the dugout that if we want to live another day, then we have really no choice but to win the game.”

“For La Salle’s end, it’s the same mentality. So, sabi namin, in the end, it will just boil down to whoever wants it more,” Racela added.

After a nip-and-tuck first half, proceedings started to get heated towards the dying embers of the third quarter. After EJ Gollena got fouled on a three-point make, Manu Anabo and Racela were called for unsportsmanlike and technical fouls, respectively, resulting in a five-point play in favor of La Salle, 50-45.

Undeterred however, Adamson employed their trademark stifling defense on the Taft-based squad containing La Salle to only seven points for most of the final frame, 61-57.

Despite forward Earl Abadam sinking a timely three-point basket with 28.5 ticks left, Adamson was able to stand firm and hold on for their sixth victory, 61-60.

Scores:

Adamson 61 - Erolon 18, Manzano 15, Montebon 10, Fransman 7, Torres 6, Anabo 3, Ojarike 2, Barcelona 0, Demisana 0, Jamaylin 0, Medina 0, Perez 0, A. Ronzone 0,  C. Ronzone 0.

La Salle 60 - Marasigan 15, Gollena 10, Macalalag 8, Pablo 7, Phillips 7, Abadam 5, Cortez 5, Dungo 0, Gomez 0, Nwankwo 0.

Quarters: 17-16, 35-31, 45-50, 61-60.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News