UP Clinches Final Four Spot After 70–65 Thriller vs Adamson
The UP Fighting Maroons secured its seventh consecutive Final Four appearance after outlasting Adamson Soaring Falcons, 70–65, in their UAAP Season 88 second-round showdown on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Fighting Maroons improved to 9–3 to strengthen their hold on the No. 2 spot, extending their winning streak to five games and continuing a Final Four run that has been intact since Season 81 in 2018.
Gerry Abadiano spearheaded UP’s balanced attack with 16 points and three rebounds, while Francis Nnoruka delivered another powerful all-around effort with 16 points and 12 boards. The Maroons also leaned on late-game hero Reyland Torres, who scored six of his seven points in the final two minutes to shut the door on the Soaring Falcons.
UP controlled the early tempo, racing to a 20–8 first-quarter lead and maintaining their cushion for most of the game. But Adamson fought back behind Ray Allen Torres and Matty Erolon, trimming the deficit to just two, 58–56, with 4:11 left.
With the pressure mounting, Reyland Torres came through in the clutch. He buried a big three-pointer at the 2:25 mark to give UP a 63–56 advantage, then knocked down a jumper 23 seconds later to widen the gap to 65–57. While the Falcons briefly cut the lead to 66–62, Torres and Nnoruka calmly iced the win at the free-throw line.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
Adamson, now 5–7, slipped to sixth place—one spot behind Ateneo (5–6)—as the race for the Final Four tightens. The Soaring Falcons mounted a strong comeback bid, powered by Ray Allen Torres’ 23 points and Erolon’s 19, but ultimately fell short of completing a rally from 15 points down.
Statistically, UP dominated key areas. The Maroons shot 36.4% from the field compared to Adamson’s 28.8%, and won the rebounding battle, 54–44, including a 19–18 edge on offensive boards that translated to 24 second-chance points—far more than Adamson’s eight. UP’s starters also combined for 47 points, dwarfing Adamson’s starting unit, which contributed only 16.
Adamson had more assists (14–9) and steals (8–4), but struggled to convert opportunities consistently.
With the win secured, UP now turns its attention to rival Ateneo on Wednesday, November 19, as they continue their push for a twice-to-beat advantage. Adamson, meanwhile, looks to regroup in a crucial showdown with La Salle on the same day.
The Scores:
UP 70 – Nnrouka 16, Abadiano 16, Alarcon 8, Stevens 7, Torres 7, Fortea 5, Remogat 4, Bayla 4, Yñiguez 3, Alter 0, Belmonte 0, Palanca 0.
Adamson 65 – Torres 23, Erolon 19, Manzano 8, Montebon 8, Fransman 7, Anabo 0, Medina 0, Ojarikre 0, Perez 0, Tumaneng 0, A. Ronzone 0, C. Ronzone 0.
Quarter Scores: 20-8, 36-27, 50-44, 70-65
