UAAP: Montebon winner keeps Adamson’s Final Four bid alive

Adamson’s Matthew Montebon celebrates after hitting the game-winning triple against UE in the UAAP Seaosn 86 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Monty Montebon willed Adamson to a knockout match versus Ateneo for the last UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball Final Four berth after the Falcons defeated University of the East, 63-61, on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Montebon, who finished with 16 points and seven rebounds, nailed the game-winning triple from the corner off an inbound pass with 2.7 seconds remaining.

“I was just in the zone during the play. The play was supposed to be a screen from Ced [Manzano] and then come off another screen,” Montebon said. “I thought the ball was gonna go to Ced but then I got it, I just did a step back in the corner. I thought I missed ’cause I just threw it up then fell down. Luckily it went in.”

Adamson, which finished tied with Ateneo at 7-7, built a 37-29 advantage at halftime behind its rebounding effort and Montebon’s 11 points.

Matthew Montebon celebrates with his teammates after Adamson’s victory over UE.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

But the Red Warriors fought back and even gained the driver’s seat with Precious Momowei, who was back for UE after serving a one-game suspension, making two consecutive layups, 58-57.

Jack Cruz-Dumont almost closed the curtains on Adamson with a clutch three-pointer that gave UE a 61-60 lead before the heroics of Montebon.

“I like how it ended, walang script dun ha. UE really made it tough for us,” coach Nash Racela said. “Some would say it’s luck, I won’t deny that because it really looked like one.”

“There’s no freebies in this world. You have to earn everything, take it if you want it. We thank UE for allowing us to [earn the win]. They didn’t give it to us on a silver platter, we really worked for it,” Racela went on.

UE’s Rey Remogat flirted with a triple-double finishing with 16 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists while Momowei, who was stripped of the chance to win Rookie of the Year following the suspension, posted 15 points and 11 rebounds.