Eagles boost Final 4 aspiration

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion Ateneo returned the favor on Adamson, 62-58, and took sole possession of the No. 4 spot in the homestretch of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles relinquished another double-digit lead like in their meltdown in the first round but pulled through in the end this time – thanks to the heroics of Joseph Obasa and Sean Quitevis.

Quitevis and Obasa made key stops and took care of the freebies on the other end as the Blue Eagles soared to 6-6, ahead of the Falcons at 5-7.

Later, Kevin Quiambao registered another triple double of 17 points, 19 rebounds and 12 assists plus four steals and two blocks as La Salle (9-3) stayed in the thick of Top-Two race with an 86-76 win over UE (4-8).

Mark Nonoy added 25 points for the Green Archers.