Adamson’s Royce Mantua during a game against Ateneo in UAAP Season 87.—MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines— Adamson forced a playoff for the last Final Four spot by beating Ateneo, 69-55, to wrap up the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament elimination round on Saturday at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

“We’re just thankful, really really grateful that the Lord blessed us with this win today. Alam ko yung mga players namin really deserve it, because we still have a chance. It’s something we preach to them. As long as you do your part, you will get rewarded,” Adamson coach Nash Racela said.

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“So I guess today, not really perfect, but sabi nga ni coach Tab Baldwin, we shot really well today. Unlike the other game [against University of Santo Tomas]. Well, we were just able to have a session here yesterday, I guess it really helped us get some confidence by taking those shots. But I guess, more than that, it’s our defense,” he added.

READ: UAAP: ‘Praying’ UE Red Warriors big Ateneo supporters vs Adamson

The Soaring Falcons battle University of the East on Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., at Mall of Asia Arena with the winner claiming the No. 4 spot and faces top seed and defending champion La Salle in the semifinals.

Royce Mantua missed only one field goal on the way to 14 points while Manu Anabo pitched in 13 points and Matt Erolon added 11 points for Adamson.

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“We all know that this is gonna be our final chance to compete in the Final Four so we all really have to play our A-game and my shots came knocking down. I’m very happy we all played each other’s parts really well especially on defense,” said Mantua.

“Happy lang ako sa team namin kasi binigay nila lahat yung best nila lalo na crucial game para makapasok sa playoffs so sobrang saya ko lang na nanalo kami pero may next game pa naman [before] playoffs so celebrate namin to ngayon and then bukas trabaho ulit,” said Erolon.

Adamson played decent on both ends of the floor. The Falcons’ bench played a key role in the crucial win with their reserves accounting for 42 points.

“Siguro ito yung winork out ko talaga nung preseason and in-embrace ko yung role ko lalo na nawala pa si Calisay. And isa yun sa defensive player namin. Kailangan may mag-cover up yung pagkakawala niya doon. In-embrace ko lang yung challenge na yun na gampanan ng maganda,” Anabo said.

READ: UAAP: Adamson hopes to make Final Four ‘the hard way’

It was a back-and-forth action before Adamson dominated Ateneo in the final frame, 19-9, highlighted by four triples.

Jared Bahay ended his rookie campaign with 14 points as Ateneo finished at the bottom of the standings with a 4-10 card. Ian Espinosa and graduating Chris Koon had 10 points apiece.

The Eagles will also no longer have the services of Sean Quitevis, who have exhausted his playing years, next season.