Falcons reach Final Four via backdoor

MANILA, Philippines — Adamson put on a methodical performance from start to finish and marched to the UAAP Final Four with a 68-55 disposal of University of the East in a knockout playoff last night at the MOA Arena.

Cedrick Manzano stood the tallest in Adamson’s march with an all-around brilliance of 17 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks as the Falcons made it to the Final Four through a playoff for the second time in three seasons.

With the win, the Falcons get a shot at the La Salle Green Archers on Saturday as No. 2 seed University of the Philippines tests the mettle of third-ranked Santo Tomas.

Matthew Montebon had 13 points, Joshua Yerro and Royce Mantua added seven and six points respectively with Matt Erolon, Manu Anabo and AJ Fransman chipping in five each for Adamson, which knocked off La Salle in 2022 before losing to Ateneo last year.

“We’re grateful that in two out of the three knockout games, we’re able to advance. Sabi ko nga the other day, if we need to go through a playoff every year, we’ll go through it,” said coach Nash Racela. “The beauty about this is we really gave ourselves a chance.”