NOW showing: La Salle vs. the University of the Philippines, the sequel.
Leaving little to doubt, the Green Archers will get the chance to defend their throne against their modern-day rival Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball Finals.
La Salle was just in its full dominant form to arrange that date, brutalizing No. 4 Adamson, 70-55, in their Final Four matchup on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
From back-to-back Season MVP Kevin Quiambao to the fringe players, the Taft side was in its element, hardly showing rust even after an 18-day lull.
Quiambao, fresh off Gilas Pilipinas duty, only needed to spark the early onslaught and seal off the late rally with his calm free throw shooting, as he collected 14 points, three rebounds, three steals, two assists, and two blocks.
Joshua David chipped in 11 points, three assists, and two rebounds, as Mythical Team selection Michael Phillips stuffed the stat sheet with eight points, seven boards, five steals, four assists, and two blocks.
"It's nice to be back in the finals," said coach Topex Robinson, making a quick pivot to that collosal rematch against UP starting Dec. 8.
"They haven't had a complete line-up and that's one thing we haven't seen. But in this finals, it's all about how we'll be prepared and it will only make us better."
While the Soaring Falcons bowed out of the semifinals, they could still consider this season a success, overachieving and defying lackluster projections to fight back from a 3-7 record and earn their place among the top four teams in the league.
They did put up a late fightback in this one, using a 14-1 tear to close to twithin 13, 63-50, with 3:53 to play before Quiambao slammed the door shut on them.
Royce Mantua top-scored for the San Marcelino crew with 14 points from two triples, as Cedrick Manzano went a rebound short of double-double with a 13-9 statline.
Adamson also sorely missed the presence of AJ Fransman and graduating forward Jhon Calisay, who were both under the weather for the crucial game.
The Scores:
LA SALLE 70 – Quiambao 14, David 11, Phillips 8, Ramiro 7, Marasigan 6, Dungo 5, Gonzales 5, Agunanne 4, Konov 4, Austria 2, Macalalag 0, Gollena 0, Alian 0.
ADAMSON 55 – Mantua 14, Manzano 13, Anabo 6, Yerro 6, Erolon 5, Ramos 3, Dignadice 3, Ojarikre 2, Barasi 2, Montebon 1, Alexander 0, Barcelona 0, Ignacio 0, Ronzone 0.
Quarters: 18-11, 36-17, 59-34, 70-55.
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