Games Saturday (25 Nov)
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
11 a.m. – UP vs UST (Women Final Four)
2 p.m. – UP vs Ateneo (Men Final Four)
6 p.m. – DLSU vs NU (Men Final Four)

IN A commanding performance witnessed by 7,088 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena, Ateneo secured the last Final Four berth in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament with a lopsided 70-48 win over Adamson.

The highly anticipated showdown for the No. 4 spot turned into a one-sided affair, with Jared Brown leading the charge by scoring 14 of his 20 points in the first half.

The Blue Eagles established a substantial 40-26 lead at halftime and maintained their dominance throughout the game.

Now, having successfully staved off elimination in the playoffs, Ateneo faces the formidable task of defeating the top-ranked University of the Philippines twice in the Final Four to keep their title-retention bid alive.

The upcoming clash between the Blue Eagles and the Fighting Maroons, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, promises to be a fierce battle.

Despite acknowledging their underdog status against UP, Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin expresses confidence in his team’s heart and hints at strategic surprises.

The Blue Eagles and the Fighting Maroons, frequent contenders in recent championship series, are set to renew their rivalry in pursuit of a coveted spot in the Finals. The teams previously split their head-to-head meetings in the elimination round.

In the other Final Four duel at 6 p.m., second-seeded La Salle, on an eight-game winning streak, will face off against third-ranked National University.

The Green Archers and the Bulldogs, with a 1-1 record this season, are expected to deliver another intense matchup.

The scores:

Ateneo (70) – Brown 20, Quitevis 11, Amos 10, Ballungay 7, Bongo 4, Obasa 4, Koon 3, Nieto 3, Credo 3, Espinosa 3, Lazaro 2, Chiu 0, Gamber 0, Tuano 0.

AdU (48) – Erolon 9, Hanapi 8, Calisay 5, Manzano 4, Yerro 4, Montebon 4, Sabandal 4, Magbuhos 3, Lastimosa 3, Barasi 2, Ramos 2, Colonia 0, Ojarikre 0, Cañete 0, Barcelona 0, Anabo 0.

Quarterscores: 24-15, 40-25, 56-39, 70-48