UAAP: Adamson fends off UP’s fourth quarter rally to solidify playoffs spot

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 5) — The Adamson Soaring Falcons strengthened their hold on the third spot after defeating a gritty University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 86-70, Sunday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Papi Sarr showed the way for the Soaring Falcons with 25 points and 17 rebounds.

It was a close contest in the first period with Adamson prevailing with a precarious 18-17 edge.

Sarr’s towering presence helped the Soaring Falcons maintain the distance heading into the first half.

With UP struggling to keep up with the pace, Adamson started to pull away in the third quarter.

Javi Gomez De Liaño, Paul Desiderio, and Jun Manzo opened the final frame with a 10-0 blast for the Fighting Maroons.

But the Soaring Falcons had the right amount of firepower to prevent any late UP comeback to notch its ninth victory.

Jerie Pingoy dropped 15 points and eight assists, while Jerrick Ahanmisi added 11 points and four rebounds for Adamson.

Desiderio paced the Fighting Maroons with 20 markers and five boards.

“I think we deserve it, we’ve been working hard for this,” Sarr said on making it to the Final Four.

The Soaring Falcons will end its elimination round campaign against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on November 11, while UP takes on the league leading Ateneo Blue Eagles on November 8.