By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers thwarted the Adamson University Falcons’ fight back with a 69-57 victory in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night, November 8.
Kevin Quiambao posted a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Michael Phillips hauled 11 rebounds to go with eight markers for the Green Archers, securing their place in the Final 4 with their 8-3 record.
Holding to a slim 54-50 lead after three quarters, the Green Archers went on a massive run in the final frame as they outscored their opponents, 15-7, to secure their fifth consecutive win.
Didat Hanapi top-scored with 16 points, including four three-pointers, while Matthew Montebon and Joem Sabandal added 11 and 10 markers, respectively, as they dropped to 5-6.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons (9-2) got away with a close 79-72 victory over the University of the East Red Warriors (4-7) to also reach the semifinals round.
With the score tied at 69-all after back-to-back triples by Red Warriors’ Jack Cruz-Dumont, UP responded with two free throws from Maodo Malick Diouf and a floater from CJ Cansino for a 73-69 advantage.
Cruz-Dumont pulled the Red Warriors closer at 72-73 with another outside conversion, but the Fighting Maroons answered with an alley-oop layup by Francis Lopez from a pass for a 75-72 lead before JD Cagulangan sealed the win with free throws.
Reigning UAAP MVP Diouf returned from a one-game absence to finish with a double-double of 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Cansino added 17 markers for the Fighting Maroons.
The National University Bulldogs (9-2) also secured their place in the semifinals after a 68-57 triumph against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (3-8).
Jake Figueroa led the Bulldogs with 15 points and six rebounds, while Jolo Manansala chipped in 11 markers.
On the other hand, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles (5-6) snapped their three-game losing skid as they bested the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers (1-13), 67-59./ASC, WDJ