De La Salle University secured the first Final Four ticket in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball by putting the clamps on Adamson University on a 70-45 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, Saturday.
The defending champions Green Archers raised their record to a league-leading 9-1, stretching their winning streak to six games to clinch a spot in the postseason with four more games left to spare.
La Salle pulled away in the second quarter when Joshua David waxed hot from deep, draining three triples and a deuce, steering his side to a 25-11 frame that allowed them to take a 42-22 lead at the break.
This triumph was Green Archers’ assertion of their mastery of the Soaring Falcons, whom they also crushed in their first round encounter, 82-52.
“These young men did what they’re supposed to do and that’s compete with one of the best programs with coach Nash Racela there. We still have a lot of work to do. I just love to see other guys stepping up also not only the regulars,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson as he utilized all 15 players.
Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao led the Green Archers’ onslaught with 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while David added 11 points he all made in the second frame.
Henry Agunanne and Raven Gonzales delivered eight points apiece as well in the win.
“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 gears up for its second round matchup with archrival Ateneo de Manila University next Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Soaring Falcons absorbed their fourth straight defeat, rolling down to 3-6 to create a three-way tie with Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles and Far Eastern University Tamaraws at fifth to seventh.
Cedrick Manzano was the lone double digit scorer for Adamson with 14 points to go with four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Adamson looks to rediscover its winning ways on Wednesday against the surging Ateneo at the MOA Arena as well.
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.