With just two games left in the elimination round of UAAP Season 86 men's basketball, the last slot in the Final Four is still up for grabs.
The UP Fighting Maroons, the NU Bulldogs, and the De La Salle Green Archers are already in the semifinals. Three teams are still in the hunt for the final ticket, namely the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the Adamson Soaring Falcons, and the UE Red Warriors.
While Ateneo, which currently boasts a 6-6 record, may have the advantage, as of posting, there are still plenty of scenarios where Adamson and UE could snatch the last spot in the next two game days.
RELATED STORY: MVP talk: What Kevin Quiambao said should be stern warning for other Final Four contenders
Ateneo’s path to the Final Four
The goal is simple for the Blue Eagles: Win both games.
But of course, that’s easier said than done, especially given that Ateneo will face UE on Wednesday and then arch-rival La Salle on Saturday.
If the Blue Eagles beat the Red Warriors, then that will be one less competition for the last Final Four spot.
Adamson’s path to the Final Four
The Soaring Falcons must be upset with themselves for failing to capitalize on their match versus the Blue Eagles last Sunday.
With a 5-7 record, all hope is not lost for them. But they will need Ateneo to lose at least one of its last two games while they must win both of theirs.
But like the Blue Eagles, the Soaring Falcons' best-case scenario is no easy feat as they will face a twice-to-beat-seeking NU on Wednesday and then UE on Sunday.
Their match versus NU will most likely determine if Adamson can still secure the last Final Four spot.
UE’s path to the Final Four
At 4-8, the Red Warriors arguably have the most difficult and yet also most manageable road to the Final Four.
Why? Well, the two teams they will face are the other two teams competing for the Final Four spot. In short, UE needs to win both games against Ateneo and Adamson to have a shot.
But aside from winning their last two games, the Red Warriors will also hope that Ateneo loses to La Salle, while Adamson also loses to NU.
RELATED STORY: Rey Remogat gets strong push from UE legend as Red Warriors aim to sneak into Final Four
Should Ateneo, Adamson, and UE have a similar record by the end of the elimination round, this would mean a triple tie for the fourth seed.
As per UAAP rules, the team with the highest quotient from the head-to-head matchups of the tied squads will be get the fourth place in the standings—and more importantly, move on to the Final Four.
(PM)