CONTRASTING fates.
Reigning champion Ateneo has never played in a playoff for the No. 4 spot, while Adamson hurdled La Salle last year to advance to the Final Four.
The Blue Eagles take on the Soaring Falcons today for the last semifinals berth in the 86th UAAP basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The do-or-die clash is set at 2 p.m., with the winner gaining a Last Four duel with top seed and twice-to-beat University of the Philippines.
No. 2 La Salle, also armed with a win-once incentive, will face third-ranked National University in the other semis showdown.
Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin admitted his wards will have their hands full against the inspired San Marcelino-based quintet.
“Adamson’s really tough and we all know that,” Baldwin said after the Eagles dropped a 69-72 loss to the Green Archers last Saturday to end their eliminations campaign with a 7-7 card. “They’re one of the tougher teams to contend with.”
The likes of Kai Ballungay, Mason Amos, Chris Koon, 6-foot-10 Ghanaian center Joseph Obasa, and Jared Brown will be counted upon by Ateneo to deliver.
The Eagles have not missed the playoffs in 10 years.
With their backs against the wall, the Falcons nipped the University of the East Red Warriors 63-61 on a Matthew Montebon game-winning three-pointer three nights back to finish with a 7-7 slate and forge the KO tiff with Ateneo.
Adamson strategist Nash Racela is banking on his side’s experience to spell the big difference.
“Sino ba nandoon last year? Sila Cedrick (Manzano), sila Didat (Hanapi), sila Vince (Magbuhos), but not everyone. Sila Monty (Montebon) are new guys. They weren’t (part of the team) last year–sila Matty (Erolon), sila Eli (Ramos), so a lot of new guys also,” he said.
“But I think the biggest experience for our players is the games in the second round. You look at us, that’s when we grew.”
The Falcons edged the Eagles 74-71 in overtime, thanks to a last-gasp trey by Vince Magbuhos in their first-round match last Oct. 7.
Ateneo got back at Adamson 62-58 last Nov. 12.
Racela will count on Montebon, Manzano, Hanapi, and Ramos.
