MANILA, Philippines — Ibinulsa ng University of the Philippines ang isang puwesto sa Final Four sa UAAP Season 87 collegiate men’s basketball matapos kalusin ang Adamson University, 70-59 kahapon na nilaro sa SM Mall of Asia Arena sa Pasay City.
Sinamahan ng Fighting Maroons ang nakalaban nila sa finals sa nakaraang season na De La Salle University Green Archers sa semifinals matapos ilista ang 8-1 karta para sa solo second.
Pang-anim na sunod na Final Four appearances ng UP ito simula noong Season 81 (2018).
“This was a clinching semifinal game so you know, it’s something that we’re gonna celebrate tonight, so to speak, but at the same time the goal is -- the big picture, iyong papasok ng finals, giving ourselves an opportunity for that,” ani Fighting Maroons assistant coach Christian Luanzon.
Natapyasan ng Soaring Falcons ang hinahabol sa isang puntos, 57-58 matapos itarak ni AJ Fransman ang dalawang puntos at tres ni Jhon Calisay may 3:48 mark sa fourth quarter.
Pero hindi nasira ang diskarte ng Fighting Maroons, sumagot sila ng 12-0 run mula sa kabayanihan nina Mark Belmonte, Gerry Abadiano at Quentin Millora-Brown para muling ilayo ang iskor, 70-57 may 52 segundo na lang sa laro.
“For coach Gold, this is something that he’s been doing since he started coaching. For him, it’s more than just the results. It’s all about the improvement ng team and even after this win, still to improve,” ani Luanzon.
Pinamunuan ni JD Cagulangan ang opensa para sa Katipunan-based squad sa tinikadang 17 points mula sa 7-of-11 sa field.
Kumana naman si Mathew Montebon ng 14 puntos at limang rebounds para sa Soaring Falcons.