Falcons, Archers dispute last UAAP Final Four berth

ADAMSON University and De La Salle University clash for the last Final Four berth on Sunday in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Game is set for 6 p.m.

The Soaring Falcons and the Green Archers have to battle in a playoff for the last semis berth after ending up tied at fourth with identical 7-7 win-loss records at the conclusion of the eliminations last Wednesday.

La Salle’s 77-72 comeback win over the also-ran University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University’s 61-66 loss to Ateneo de Manila University set up the stage for the Archers-Falcons playoff game.

After playing in consecutive close games, Adamson head coach Nash Racela said that they’ve prepared for another nip-and-tuck battle against La Salle, especially with the last ticket to the semis at stake.

“We conditioned the mind of our players that every game is a grind out game, it’s always going to be close.

We were successful against NU (National University) last time; we were not successful today against Ateneo, but my players are getting used to it,” shared Racela.

“And that’s good because now, we’re gaining experience in playing close games. Hopefully, on Sunday, whether it’s close or not, we can safely cross [to the semis].”

The Green Archers and the Soaring Falcons, led by Evan Nelle and Jerom Lastimosa, respectively, went toeto-toe during their two games this season.

Adamson got the win in their first round encounter with an 86-84 escape on October 22, while La Salle exacted revenge in the second round by way of a CJ Austria game-winning triple, 81-78, on November 17.

Nelle, who poured 25 points to lead La Salle’s fightback against UST, said he just doesn’t want to exit just yet, saying that the Green Archers can still make a good run.

“I love my group. I love the coaching staff, my teammates and managers. I don’t like this [us not reaching the Final Four] to be our story,”said Nelle.