Adamson’s Monty Montebon, right, during a game against UE in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Monty Montebon hit a pair of timely triples that sealed Adamson’s return to the UAAP men’s basketball Final Four on Wednesday.
But more than Montebon’s offensive production, it was his unselfishness that made the biggest impact for the Falcons, who knocked off University of the East in a playoff for the last semifinals berth.
“The team needed me to play a little more unselfish so, I just want to do everything in my power to put our team in a better chance to win and I think I did that and now we’re in the Final Four and hopefully we could beat La Salle,” said Montebon, who had 13 points and six assists in Adamson’s 68-55 win at Mall of Asia Arena.
READ: UAAP: Adamson barges into Final Four, knocks off UE
Adamson coach Nash Racela, Monty Montebon, and Cedrick Manzano after returning to the Final Four. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/L0kTaQid3e
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) November 27, 2024
Montebon was scoreless when Adamson won its final elimination game against Ateneo, 69-55, but still made a big impact in the victory with seven assists.
Adamson coach Nash Racela believes the Falcons have learned to play for each other, especially Montebon, who adjusted his game for his team.
“Slowly, they’re learning how to play together. The last two games, ito si Monty medyo mayabang ’cause the last two games he had seven and six assists. Something that is not Monty-like. That’s what he’s saying earlier about being selfish but no he’s being unselfish which I think the other players appreciated,” said Racela. “You look at our assists number in the last two games, we had 20, today we had 23 which means they’re starting to play as one unit.”
READ: UAAP: Adamson heeds coach’s call as another do-or-die awaits
At one point this season, the Falcons appeared on their way to an early exit at 3-7 before turning their fortunes around by winning four of their last five games.
“I think to start the UAAP season I think we all had to put it together. The first round, it took a little bit of time but then, the second round we started getting a little bit together, so all credit to the chemistry growing and then the camaraderie that’s been growing as well,” Montebon said.
Adamson takes on No. 1 seed and defending champion La Salle in the Final Four on Saturday.
“It’s my first time [to be in the Final Four] so I don’t really know what to expect. But I’m just excited for the challenge. La Salle’s a great team. Like coach Nash, I think both games were a combined 55 points. So obviously, we’re gonna have to focus in practice and just trust each other like we’ve been doing and hopefully, the results and the game will follow,” said Montebon.