Ateneo, Adamson top picks for UAAP men’s basketball finals; FEU, third — poll

MANILA, Philippines – If INQUIRER.net’s readers had their way, the Finals of the 74th season of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament would have been played between Ateneo and Adamson.

In the September 14-19 poll by INQUIRER.net going into the semi-finals, respondents were asked which two teams they wanted to see play in the Finals.

The Blue Eagles got the nod of 374 of the 881respondents (42.45 percent) and Adamson, 228 (25.88 percent), making them the top two picks.

But this wasn’t meant to be, however, as the Tamaraws, who placed third in the INQUIRER.net polls with 174 votes (19.75 percent) overcame the Falcons’ twice-to-beat advantage Sunday to earn the right to meet the Eagles who needed only one win against the University of Sto. Tomas for a Finals’ berth.

The Growling Tigers placed fourth in the INQUIRER.net poll with 105 votes (11.92 percent) as the choice to play in the Finals.

The Eagles would have barged into the Finals outright had they remained undefeated, with their single loss in the two-round eliminations handed to them by the Falcons.

They are going for their fourth straight UAAP championship in the men’s seniors’ division.

Karen Boncocan