Adamson University’s John Erolon tries to get past La Salle’s JC Macalalag in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia on Wednesday (Nov. 19, 2025). Erolon scored 18 points in leading the Falcons to victory, 61-60, to boost their Final Four bid. (UAAP photo)
Adamson University refused to let its season fade quietly. In a gripping 61-60 escape act against De La Salle University on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the Falcons clawed their way back into the Final Four conversation—and reminded everyone that they’re not done fighting just yet.
Sharpshooter John Erolon played like a man possessed, drilling five triples on his way to 18 points to snap Adamson’s three-game skid and lift the team to 6-7, good for solo fifth. More than the numbers, it was the urgency behind every shot that defined their night.
“We’re just happy to still be in it,” said head coach Nash Racela, whose voice echoed the defiant spirit of a team refusing to fold. “If you want to stay alive, you really have no choice but to win. In the end, it all comes down to who wants it more.”
Adamson wanted it badly.
Cedric Manzano powered through the paint for 15 points and nine rebounds, while Mathew Montebon knocked down two crucial mid-range jumpers in the final minute to give the Falcons what looked like a safe 61-55 cushion with 35 ticks left.
But La Salle wasn’t done.
Jacob Cortez sliced inside for a quick bucket before Earl Abadam buried a deep triple to cut the deficit to one, 61-60, sending the green side of MOA Arena into a frenzy. Adamson came up empty in the next possession, leaving Racela and the Falcons holding their breath.
Then came La Salle’s final shot—a clean look from Abadam beyond the arc. It hit iron. The Falcons exhaled.
“We just wanted to grab this opportunity,” Erolon said, still fiery after the win. “For the past three years, making the playoffs has been our goal. There’s still one game left. It’s not over yet.”
La Salle, now 6-6 and clinging to fourth place, leaned on Vhoris Marasigan’s 15 points, while EJ Gollena and Macalalag added 10 and eight. Mike Phillips and Luis Pablo chipped in seven apiece, but the Archers ultimately ran out of time.
Adamson’s momentum carried over to the women’s division, where the Lady Falcons completed a program sweep with a convincing 78-70 triumph over La Salle to seize solo fourth at 6-7.
Angolan center Kemi Adeshina set the tone inside with 17 points and nine boards, while Gilas 3×3 standouts Cheska Apag and Elaine Etang orchestrated a disciplined, controlled attack. Apag starred with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals, while Etang tallied 12 points and eight assists in an all-around showcase.
“It’s a big game for us,” said head coach Jed Colonia. “This is what we need going into the final stretch. We’re hoping to reach the Final Four—that’s really our goal.”
La Salle’s Paulina Anastacio paced the Lady Archers with 19 points, followed by Luisa Dela Paz with 10.
For both the men’s and women’s teams from San Marcelino, the message is simple: stay alive, stay hungry, and fight until the door finally opens—or slams shut.
Adamson isn’t letting go without a war.
