Manila: Adamson University survived De La Salle University, 61-60, to boost its Final Four campaign in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday. John Erolon fired five triples to finish with 18 points as the Falcons bounced back from a three-game slump to improve to 6-7 for solo fifth.

According to Philippines News Agency, head coach Nash Racela expressed the team’s determination, stating, “We’re just happy to still be in it. We made it clear in the dugout that if you want to stay alive, you really have no choice but to win. We said, in the end, it all comes down to who wants it more.” Cedric Manzano delivered 15 points and nine rebounds while Mathew Montebon contributed 10 points, including back-to-back jumpers that gave Adamson a 61-55 lead with 35 seconds remaining. Jacob Cortez’s basket and Earl Abadam’s triple moved La Salle to within 60-61, with 27 seconds left. After Adamson failed to score in the next play, Abadam’s attempt from the three-point line failed.

‘We just wanted to grab this opportunity because, for the past three years, making it to the playoffs has been our goal. There’s still one game left, it’s not over yet, so we’ll just give our best,” said Erolon, who also had five assists. Vhoris Marasigan topscored with 15 points for La Salle, which has a 6-6 record in fourth place. EJ Gollena and Macalalag made 10 and eight points, respectively, while Mike Philips and Luis Pablo had seven points apiece.

Meanwhile, Adamson also prevailed in the women’s division, grabbing solo fourth following a 78-70 victory over La Salle. The Lady Falcons banked on Nigerian center Kemi Adeshina and the Gilas Women 3×3 players Cheska Apag and Elaine Etang to secure their second straight win, improving to 6-7. Far Eastern University is fifth at 5-7, followed by La Salle at 4-8.

Lady Falcons head coach Jed Colonia remarked, “It’s a big game for us. This is what we need going into the final stretch and final game against Ateneo. Hoping to reach the Final Four, which is really our goal.” Apag finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals, while Adeshina had 17 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Etang added 12 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals. Paulina Anastacio led the Lady Archers with 19 points, four rebounds, and three steals, followed by Luisa Dela Paz with 10 points, while Mica Camba and Kyla Sunga chipped in eight points each.