La Salle downs Adamson, clinches playoff for final four

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle put its one foot in the semifinals after outplaying Adamson, 72-59, Thursday in the 75th UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Jeron Teng led with 19 points, on 11-of-13 shooting from the stripe, four rebounds and nine assists for the Green Archers, who clinched at least a playoff for the fourth spot.

“With this victory, our destiny is in our own hands, we did what we needed to do,” said head coach Gee Abanilla.

La Salle managed to keep Adamson, a team playing with nothing to lose, in check all game, pulling away in the second half for good.

A spirited 11-0 run capped by a triple by Almond Vosotros in the third quarter created the separation, which the Green Archers were able to maintain towards the end.

Norbert Torres added 12 points and 14 rebounds while the other Torres, Thomas, chipped in 11 points on 3-of-4 three-point outing.

The Green Archers face either the National University or Far Eastern University in the playoff, depending on Sunday’s results.

The Falcons finished sixth with a 3-11 record, a huge drop from last year after the departure of their starting five.

Allen Etrone played an inspired final game in an Adamson jersey with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists while Roider Cabrera led with 17 markers.

Other graduating players Jeff Olalia, Eric Camson, James Deans, meanwhile, had a lackadaisical output for the Falcons.

Camson, this year’s skipper, only had four points while plucking down eight rebounds before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

Alex Nuyles, who injured his shoulder early in the season, also played his last season with Adamson.