Ateneo Blue Eagles clinch Final Four spot after beating Adamson

The Ateneo Blue Eagles secured the last Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament by defeating Adamson University, 70-48, in a knockout game.

Jared Brown led Ateneo's offense with 20 points, while Sean Quitevis and Mason Amos also contributed significantly.

Kai Ballungay and Joseph Obasa anchored Ateneo's defensive masterclass, with Obasa grabbing 16 rebounds.

The Blue Eagles will face the top-seeded University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the semifinals, who hold a twice-to-beat advantage.

University of the National University and De La Salle University are the other two teams with semifinals berths, also with twice-to-beat advantages.

Despite a new-look roster and the coach's worst elimination record of 7-7, Ateneo managed to make it to the Final Four, needing to beat Adamson in a playoff game.

Ateneo had previously defeated the Fighting Maroons, who are the defending champions, 99-89 in overtime last October, preventing them from sweeping the first round.