Adamson University relied on its late-game surge and turned back Ateneo, 69-55, to stay alive for a Final Four contention of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City Saturday evening, Nov. 23.

Royce Mantua and Manu Anabo became a lethal 1-2 scoring combo for the Soaring Falcons especially in the fourth quarter where they engineered a 13-3 blast for a 64-49 lead which the Blue Eagles tried to overcome but ultimately failed.

It was a crucial win for Adamson, which improved to 6-8, as it tied UE and will duke it out for the last semifinal slot where the winner will challenge the defending champion De La Salle University. 

The schedule for UE-Adamson playoff duel is on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

With its triumph, the San Marcelino-based crew also exacted revenge on Ateneo, which won 60-51 in their first-round match two months ago.

Mantua and Anabo logged in 14 and 13 points, respectively, while Matt Erolon backed them up with 11 as the Falcons showcased stellar ball movement and made 20 assists which outshone the Eagles’ eight.

On the other hand, Jared Bahay starred for Ateneo as he listed 14 points while Ian Espinosa and Chris Koon provided 10 each.

The scores: 

AdU (69) – Mantua 14, Anabo 13, Erolon 11, Fransman 8, Calisay 6, Manzano 6, Yerro 5, Ramos 4, Ojarikre 2, Montebon 0, Barasi 0, Ronzone 0, Dignadice 0, Barcelona 0, Alexander 0, Ignacio 0. 
Ateneo (55) – Bahay 14, Espinosa 10, Koon 10, Porter 7, Bongo 4, Tuano 4, Lazaro 3, Quitevis 2, Ong 1, Gamber 0, Espina 0, Asoro 0, Edu 0, Reyes 0.

Quarterscores: 16-15, 37-33, 51-46, 69-55.