The University of the East Red Warriors and the Adamson University Soaring Falcons will face each other in the most important game of the season – the knockout match for the last spot in the final four.
The two teams finished the elimination round with identical 6-8 win-loss records, and according to UAAP rules, a knockout match will take place to determine the final spot in the playoffs.
The De La Salle Green Archers, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, and the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers are already assured of their spot in the final four.
Before the one-game playoff between Adamson University and the University of the East on Wednesday, November 27, at 6:30 p.m., here is a review of the two teams’ performances in the elimination round.
Adamson vs UE: Round 1
In the first round of eliminations, the University of the East Red Warriors edged out the Adamson University Soaring Falcons 63-62 in a nail-biting finish. Wello Lingolingo clinched the victory with a game-winning jumper off an offensive rebound from Nico Mulingtapang’s missed shot.
Prior to this matchup, the Red Warriors were riding a four-game winning streak, while Adamson had just suffered a loss against last season’s finalists, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. Mathew Montebon led Adamson with 12 points and four assists, narrowly missing a potential game-winning three-pointer.
Adamson vs UE: Round 2
In the second round, the Adamson University Soaring Falcons exacted revenge, defeating the University of the East Red Warriors 45-37 in a low-scoring battle. The Soaring Falcons dominated the final quarter, limiting the Red Warriors to just five points while scoring 12 of their own to seal the victory.
Heading into this match, Adamson was struggling through a five-game losing streak, while UE had recently secured a win against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws. This loss marked the beginning of the Red Warriors’ ongoing five-game losing streak going into the playoffs. Matty Erolon and AJ Fransman emerged as key performers for Adamson, each scoring 14 points.
Adamson vs UE: Knockout match for Final Four appearance
The Adamson University Soaring Falcons and the University of the East Red Warriors will battle for the final spot in the four-team playoff, with the winner facing the defending champions, De La Salle University Green Archers, in the semifinals.
For the Soaring Falcons, this is their third consecutive appearance in a knockout game for semifinal qualification. In UAAP Season 85, they defeated La Salle 80-76 in a dramatic match, thanks to Jerom Lastimosa’s heroic performance. However, in Season 86, they lost to the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles 48-70.
The Red Warriors are equally motivated, seeking to end their 15-season semifinal drought. After a challenging start with two initial losses, they demonstrated resilience by winning five consecutive games in the first round, including a victory against the defending champions. Unfortunately, their momentum stalled in the second round, where they managed only one win in seven games.
Adamson vs UE: Who Will Punch Their Ticket to the Semifinals?
The Adamson University Soaring Falcons enter the knockout match with momentum, having finished the elimination round with a victory against the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles. In contrast, the University of the East Red Warriors are struggling, currently on a five-game losing streak and seeking their first playoff appearance in 15 years.
Adding to Adamson’s advantage, the commissioner’s office has overturned the suspension of key player Jhon Calisay, who was previously ejected from a match against the Ateneo Blue Eagles for receiving two technical fouls. This development ensures the Soaring Falcons will be at full strength for the crucial game.
With these factors in play, the odds heavily favor the Adamson University Soaring Falcons to secure the final spot in the four-team playoff.
