Archers, Falcons press bids for No. 4  

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle and Adamson battle separate foes in an airtight race for the last Final Four slot as semis-bound University of the Philippines and Ateneo figure in a huge rematch in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Archers and the Falcons share fourth spot with 6-6 cards, making it a photo finish entering the last two playdates of the elims as Far Eastern U (4-9) and University of the East (4-9) crashed out of the race last Wednesday.

As the race to the last Final Four slot heats up, a tightrope contest on top is also in play featuring Ateneo and National U for the other twice-to-beat bonus after reigning champion UP clinched the first incentive.

That should turn today’s four-game card into a blockbuster starting with Adamson’s pivotal duel against National U (9-4) at 11 a.m.

At 1 p.m., eliminated squads FEU and Santo Tomas (1-11) go for a graceful exit while La Salle tangles with also-ran UE at 3 p.m. Last season’s finalists UP and Ateneo then mix it up in the main game at 6:30 p.m.

The rampaging La Salle will head to the battlefield riding the momentum of a three-game win streak that turned its season around from a near hopeless 3-6 record at the start of the second round.

“It’s still a long way for us. We still have to work and come out with wins in the next games. We’re in the equation right now but we’re still not there,” said coach Derrick Pumaren as the Archers tamed then second-running Bulldogs for their third straight win.

“We just have to stay grounded. Hindi pa tapos.  We cannot let our guards down and waste our three consecutive wins if we don’t take care of UE and UST,” he added.

Adamson mentor Nash Racela preaches the same as the Falcons have their chances on their own hands despite a tall order against NU and Ateneo as their last assignments.

“It’s nice that we’re able to put ourselves in a good position. At least, we’re able to control things that we can control. Buhay pa rin kami. We have a higher chance of making it to the Final Four, as long as we handle business on our end,” he said.

In case of a tie, Adamson and La Salle will figure in a knockout match for the last semis seat pending the rescheduled playdate on Wednesday featuring La Salle-UST and Adamson-Ateneo after its postponement due to Typhoon Paeng last month.