By MARK REY MONTEJO
Reigning champion De La Salle University wasted no time and dominated Adamson, 70-55, to forge a finals rematch with University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday evening, Nov. 30.
The Green Archers unleashed a 14-1 run in the second quarter which was enough to create the needed separation to overcome the Soaring Falcons’ late surge in the payoff period.
With its rousing semis victory, La Salle faces UP in a best-of-three championship series
Earlier, the Fighting Maroons frustrated the gritty UST Growling Tigers, 78-69, to book their fourth straight finals appearance.
Mike Phillips gave an all-around effort for the Taft-based squad after scattering eight points, seven rebounds, four assists, five steals and two blocks while back-to-back MVP Kevin Quiambao topped La Salle’s scoring with 14.
He was backstopped by fellow veteran Joshua David who cashed in 11.
Royce Mantua and Cedrick Manzano tallied 14 and 13 markers, respectively, in a losing cause as the Falcons concluded their season.
