Adamson downs UST to enter Final Four, eliminate UP and NU

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Adamson Soaring Falcons defeated the UST Growling Tigers, 76-61, on Wednesday, November 9, at the Mall of Asia Arena to return to the UAAP Final Four round for the first time in 5 years and eliminate the UP Fighting Maroons and NU Bulldogs from contention in Season 79.

By sweeping their season series against the Growling Tigers, the Soaring Falcons improved to a 7-5 record, just a game behind Ateneo and FEU, who are tied for the second seed in the standings with identical 8-4 win-loss clips.

Rob Manalang led the winning side with 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting while shooter Jerrick Ahanmisi added 16 points. Papi Sarr was limited to only 7 points on 2-of-11 shooting, but pulled down 18 rebounds.

UST was led by the 13 points and 6 boards of Jan Sheriff, while Kent Lao had 12 points.

In what was a surprising move, Louie Vigil, Renzo Subido, and Marvin Lee were all benched in the first half by Growling Tigers head coach Boy Sablan.

The Falcons have remaining games against Ateneo and NU as they aim for the second seed and a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. – Rappler.com