The defending champions De La Salle University Green Archers will face the Adamson University Soaring Falcons in the semifinals of the ongoing UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
The Green Archers and the Soaring Falcons will face each other on Saturday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. The Green Archers have the twice-to-beat advantage, meaning they only need to defeat the Soaring Falcons once to qualify for the finals.
At the end of the elimination round, De La Salle University had 12 wins and two losses, while Adamson University had a dismal 6-8 win-loss record. They needed to defeat the University of the East Red Warriors in a knockout match to qualify for the playoffs.
The Green Archers’ only losses in the elimination round came in their matches against the now-eliminated National University Bulldogs and the Red Warriors in the first- and second rounds, respectively.
For the Soaring Falcons, they had a five-game losing streak in the middle of the first and second rounds before bouncing back against the Red Warriors and the National University Bulldogs in the second round.
Before their much-awaited semifinal game, take a look back at the head-to-head matchup of the Green Archers and the Soaring Falcons in the elimination round.
Green Archers vs Soaring Falcons: Round 1
In the first round of eliminations, the De La Salle University did not go easy as they demolished the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, 82-52, behind back-to-back MVP Kevin Quiambao.
It was a lopsided match from the start until the finish as the Green Archers blazed in the first quarter with a 20-6 run. At the end of the match, La Salle’s lead was too much to overcome as Quiambao tallied 21 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block.
Rookie Doy Dungo also had the time of his life, delivering 15 points from the three-point distance. Henry Agunanne contributed a double-double performance of 11 points and 16 rebounds, while JC Macalalag and Vhoris Marasigan combined for 17 points.
For the Soaring Falcons, Cedrick Manzano was the lone double-digit scorer for his team, delivering 15 points and eight rebounds in a losing effort.
Green Archers vs Soaring Falcons: Round 2
In the second round of eliminations, the De La Salle Green Archers made a repeat of their blowout win against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, 70-45. The Green Archers qualified for a spot in the final four back then at the expense of the Soaring Falcons.
It was a one-sided affair since the start of the match as the defending champions had a huge 20-point lead at the half, 42-22. In the second half of the match, La Salle’s defense proved to be pivotal as they limited the Soaring Falcons to just 11 points.
Kevin Quiambao once again led his team with 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Joshua David added 11 points, all in the second half of the game.
Once again, Cedrick Manzano was the lone bright spot for the Soaring Falcons as he scored 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Green Archers vs Soaring Falcons: Semifinal Prediction
With all due respect to the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, the semifinal match between them and the Green Archers would be a lopsided match once again. The De La Salle University has the odds coming into the semifinal game.
