Two of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball’s hottest teams — the La Salle Green Archers and Adamson Soaring Falcons — hope to reap the rewards of their midseason surge amid a still-close playoff race.
A much-needed mid-season surge now seems to be paying off for both La Salle and Adamson.
Tied for the longest active win streak at four games, the Green Archers and the Soaring Falcons continue to gain momentum as the UAAP men’s basketball Final Four race remains tightly contested.
La Salle’s 86–72 victory over the UE Red Warriors has pushed the Taft-based squad into a share of second place with defending champion UP, and they are now knocking on NU’s door for the top spot.
Coincidentally, the Green Archers are on a collision course with the Bulldogs in another pivotal second-round matchup. A win would help DLSU joined NU atop the standings.
[ALSO READ: Mike Phillips embraces ‘playoff mode’ early as DLSU enters crucial stretch of UAAP Final Four race]
Meanwhile, Adamson has entered the playoff picture following a stunning 97–96 overtime comeback against UST.
The Soaring Falcons erased an eight-point deficit in the final 30 seconds of regulation, as Monty Montebon hit a game-tying triple to force overtime.
In the extra period, Matt Erolon delivered a game-winning triple, sealing an improbable victory for head coach Nash Racela and his squad.
The win pushed Adamson to joint fourth with fellow 5–4 UST, putting the latter in the Final Four mix.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Nash Racela thankful for Adamson's team game in OT comeback win vs UST]
Ateneo trails at sixth with 3–5, while FEU sits at 2–6 in sixth as both squads still have a shot at the playoffs but will need a turnaround in the coming games.
UE, meanwhile, became the first team eliminated from Final Four contention, finishing with an 0–9 record — marking the 15th consecutive season the Red Warriors failed to qualify for the postseason.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.