Adamson University completed the cast of predominantly underdog teams in the UAAP men’s basketball Final Four, repulsing a wounded preseason favorite De La Salle University, 80-76, in the playoff for fourth place Sunday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Adamson’s win broke the seven wins, seven losses tie with La Salle, who played without MVP candidate Schonny Winston, Gilas standout Kevin Quiambao, and ex-Mythical Team member Michael Phillips due to injuries.

“People didn’t expect us to be in the Final Four,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela after the upset win.

The former champion coach’s gameplan worked as the Soaring Falcons gambled on Lenda Douanga’s early hedge defense on hot hand Evan Nelle to great success, forcing the Green Archers three straight turnovers by Ben Phillips, Nelle, and Mark Nonoy in the dying minutes of the game.

A 17-foot jumper by Douanga off a pick-and-pop with Jerom Lastimosa and an undergoal stab by Cedrick Manzano off a Douanga outlet pass pushed Adamson to a 77-74 lead with a minute left.

Nelle converted on a steal-and-layup against Lastimosa in an Adamson inbound play with 15 seconds left but the latter swished his free throws to maintain a three-point lead, 79-76, with twelve seconds in the game.

Nelle thumped the left sideboard in an early triple in the next possession as the Falcons returned to the men’s basketball Final Four since 2018.

“Hindi talaga kami nag-give up kahit sampu na ang lamang ng La Salle pero sabi ni coach walang nanalo sa first half, dun nagkakaalman sa second half,” Lastimosa, an MVP candidate, said, referring to La Salle’s early dominance in the game.

The graduating point guard, who was supposed to miss Season 85 due to a dislocated foot from last month, towed his team with 22 points, six assists, and four triples.

He was also instrumental in Adamson’s comeback in the third quarter, being involved in 17 of Adamson’s 21 quarter points and ending the game with +9 box plus-minus.

Power forward Manzano acted as the garbageman for Lastimosa, adding 8 points and 12 rebounds.

Nelle, who started the game on fire, led the Archers with 22 points and seven assists but also committed seven turnovers.

The Falcons will meet the number one team Ateneo Blue Eagles on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in the evening Final Four game.

In the afternoon’s opener, defending champions University of the Philippines, holding a twice-to-beat edge, will go against another surprise semifinalist National University.

The scores:

Adamson 80 – Lastimosa 22, Yerro 13, Manlapaz 11, Douanga 10, Manzano 8, Sabandal 8, Jaymalin 3, Flowers 2, Hanapi 2, Torres 1, Colonia 0, Barasi 0, Fuentebella 0.

La Salle 76 – Nelle 22, Nonoy 15, Austria 11, B. Phillips 11, Cortez 10, Abadam 3, Macalalag 2, Buensalida 2, Estacio 0, Nwankwo 0, Manuel 0.

Quarter scores: 20-27, 38-48, 59-60, 80-76