Archers, Falcons in playoff for No. 4 spot

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle stayed alive while Adamson fumbled a chance in contrasting results, setting up a knockout match for the fourth and last seat in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball semis yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Archers took care of business against an ousted Santo Tomas, 77-72, before getting a lift from archrival Ateneo Blue Eagles – out of all squads – following their 66-61 win against the Falcons in the nightcap.

The wild turnaround dragged La Salle and Adamson to a gridlock at No. 4 with similar 7-7 cards, paving the way for a playoff on Sunday with the winner advancing to the semis as the fourth seed against Ateneo.

Ateneo secured the No. 1 post and a twice-to-beat advantage along with No. 2 and reigning champion University of the Philippines (11-3), which will face third-seeded National U (9-5) in the other semis pairing.

Meanwhile, six-time reigning champion National U advanced to its eighth straight finals appearance by clipping the wings of Ateneo via an easy 83-64 win in women’s basketball.

The top-seeded Lady Bulldogs regained their form after their incredible 108-game winning streak ended with a loss to La Salle last week.