Adamson University’s Matthew Montebon and Matt Erolon. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA (UPDATED) -- Adamson University has successfully entered the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Final 4 at the expense of the University of the East.

The Soaring Falcons claimed the last semifinals ticket after they eliminated the Red Warriors, 68-55, in their playoff for fourth-seed clash on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Cedrick Manzano was the leader of the San Marcelino-based school, putting up 17 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in Adamson’s fourth win in their last five outings.

Also helping was Matthew Montebon who finished with 13 markers, six boards, three boards, and one rejection, and Joshua Yerro who had a seven-point, seven-rebound game.

"We're grateful that in two out of the three knockout games, we're able to advance," said AdU head coach Nash Racela. "Sabi ko nga the last time, if we need to go through knockout games every year, we'll go through that just to make it to the Final 4. But I think the beauty about it is that we really gave ourselves a chance."

After trailing 10-2 early in the game, the Soaring Falcons charged an 18-to-nothing surge to not only lead 20-10, but also build momentum and erect a 39-30 lead at halftime.

Adamson U maintained this momentum in the second half, even leading 58-43 at one point, and this helped the Soaring Falcons fend off any run that the Red Warriors threw at them late in the game.

Another factor that added to the demise of UE was Precious Momowei’s early exit as he was put into a stretcher after colliding with Montebon late in the fourth period. This was when UE made a late effort to close in on their opponents by getting as near as 10, 58-48.

The Soaring Falcons then capitalized on this as Montebon scored four straight markers, two from the foul line, and the other came from a jumper. 

On the other hand, this is UE’s sixth straight loss after previously holding a 6-3 record. Through this skid, the Red Warriors could have easily ended a 15-year Final 4 drought by winning just one game, but they went completely cold in the second round after a very promising 5-2 start.

Jack Cruz-Dumont ended his UAAP career with a team-leading four rebounds and four boards, while Rainer Maga, Momowei, and John Abate each tallied 10 markers. 

Meanwhile, Adamson will be facing De La Salle University in the semifinals which starts on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

The first-seed Green Archers and the fourth-seed Soaring Falcons will faceoff at 6:30 p.m., while the second-seed University of the Philippines will be going up against the No.3 University of Santo Tomas in the curtain-raiser at 3:30 p.m.

THE SCORES:

Adamson 68 – Manzano 17, Montebon 13, Yerro 7, Mantua 6, Anabo 5, Erolon 5, Fransman 5, Ojarikre 4, Ramos 3, Alexander 3, Barasi 0, Barcelona 0, Ronzone 0, Ignacio 0, Dignadice 0.

UE 55 – J. Cruz-Dumont 15, Momowei 10, Abate 10, Maga 10, Fikes 9, Lingolingo 1, Galang 0, Wilson 0, Spandonis 0, Mulingtapang 0, Go 0.

Quarterscores: 16-10, 39-30, 52-40, 68-55.