UAAP: La Salle first to Final Four, whips Adamson
MANILA, Philippines–La Salle ripped Adamson, 70-45, on Saturday to punch the first ticket in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Final Four.
None other than reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao made it happen as he delivered 17 points and six rebounds to help extend the Green Archers’ winning streak to six for a 9-1 record.
Article continues after this advertisementJoshua David backed him up with an efficient outing of 11 points and four assists.
READ: UAAP: La Salle sweats out OT win over UST, pushes streak to 5
Quiambao and David stay hungry despite assuring a Final Four berth. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/17yjrhmERn
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) October 19, 2024
“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.
Article continues after this advertisement“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.
David allowed La Salle to pull away as early as the second quarter after draining three triples and a deuce for a 42-22 Archers lead.
And it was a one-sided match up from then on as the Archers continued pummeling the Soaring Falcons, who dropped to a 3-6 card after absorbing their fourth consecutive loss, the rest of the way.
READ: UAAP: La Salle, UP still on top as Final Four scramble heats up
They simply had no answer for the Green Archers this season after also getting whipped in their first-round encounter, 82-52.
Ced Manzano topscored for Adamson with 14 points as Anthony Fransman added eight points and six rebounds while Mudiaga Ojarikre manned the boards for 10 rebounds on top of three blocks.
Adamson hopes to get back on track against Ateneo next on Wednesday while La Salle renews its rivalry with the Blue Eagles on Saturday both at Mall of Asia Arena.