Adamson University set the anchor down when it mattered most, defeating De La Salle University, 61-60, 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 record, 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’s coach expressed gratitude that their playoff hopes are still within their control.
“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 we said, in the end, it will just boil down to whoever wants it more,” the coach 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 the coach 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.
Adamson University
Adamson University is a private Catholic university located in Manila, Philippines, founded in 1932 by Greek chemist George Lucas Adamson as a school for industrial chemistry. It was later entrusted to the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) in 1964, which transformed it into a Catholic institution. The university is renowned for its strong programs in engineering, chemistry, and architecture.
De La Salle University
De La Salle University (DLSU) is a private Catholic research university in Manila, Philippines, founded in 1911 by the Christian Brothers. It was established to provide a modern and humanistic Christian education, and it has since grown into one of the country’s leading educational institutions. The university is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in business, engineering, and the sciences.
UAAP Season 88
UAAP Season 88 was the 88th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, which was held from 2023 to 2024. The season was notable for being the first full, in-person season since the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a significant return to normalcy for collegiate sports in the Philippines. The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons made history by winning the Men’s Basketball championship, securing back-to-back titles for the first time in the program’s history.
Mall of Asia Arena
The Mall of Asia Arena is a large indoor sports and entertainment venue located in Pasay City, Philippines. It opened in 2012 as part of the SM Mall of Asia complex and was designed to host major concerts, sporting events, and large gatherings. The arena has since become a premier destination, hosting numerous international artists and significant events like the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.
San Marcelino
San Marcelino is a municipality in the province of Zambales, Philippines. Historically, it was established as a town in 1867 and is known for its agricultural lands and proximity to Mount Pinatubo. The area’s culture and development have been significantly shaped by the volcanic landscape and the resilience of its community.
Final Four
The Final Four is the culminating stage of the NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments in the United States, featuring the last four remaining teams. The term, which became an official NCAA trademark in the 1980s, refers to the two national semifinal games and the subsequent championship final. This major sporting event has been an annual tradition since 1939, serving as the premier showcase for college basketball.
Taft
Taft is a city in Kern County, California, which was established in the early 20th century as an oil boomtown. Its history is deeply tied to the discovery of the Midway-Sunset Oil Field, one of the largest in the United States. The city was named after President William Howard Taft and remains a significant center for the oil industry.
Pasay City
Pasay City is a highly urbanized coastal city in Metro Manila, Philippines, which transformed from a small fishing village into a major economic hub. Its modern history is deeply tied to the development of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the country’s main gateway, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex, which was built in the 1960s. Today, it is a central district for business, tourism, and entertainment, home to numerous shopping malls, casinos, and the SM Mall of Asia.
