All it takes is one shot for that one shining moment.
For Adamson University, it saw its UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament campaign resuscitated after rookie Matty Erolon made the biggest shot in his young career.
Erolon made the most of the 12 seconds he played, sinking five points – including the game-winning three with only 10.1 seconds left in the ballgame. That then lifted the Soaring Falcons past Far Eastern University.
And for Nash Racela, he knew the capabilities of his rookie.
“Si Matt is really capable of making that shot. Kaya namin siya nilagay doon is to be able to have a good look,” said Adamson mentor Nash Racela.
“He actually scored five points in 12 seconds. Twelve seconds lang siya naglaro but he gave us two good plays.“
Down 61-63 in the game’s dying moments, Soaring Falcons court general Jerom Lastimosa attracted the attention of the Tamaraws defense when he went for a drive. FEU was then caught off-guard when Lastimosa elected to pass the ball to Erolon, who converted a three from the corner.
FEU later failed to find a basket on the other end with three seconds left. The rest was history.
“Yung sa 10 seconds na yun, parang ni-ready ko lang yung sarili ko. Hindi ko naman magagawa yun kung ‘di dahil kay Jerom, kase umatake siya para makakuha ng depensa tapos para malibre din ako,” said Erolon, a native of Dumaguete and a product of Adamson High School.
“Grabe din yung tiwala ni Coach Nash sa akin kase 10 seconds, tapos ‘di ako pinawisan sa laro na yun. Tapos grabe yung tiwala niya sa akin.”
When the final buzzer sounded, the Soaring Falcons were a sight to behold. It was them that finally emerged as winners after suffering five losses in round one. Truly every player must step up when called to perform on the court.
It was Erolon’s memorable day today and his lack of even a single minute on the floor just adds to his game-winner’s luster.
“Ang sinasabi ko nga kay Matt, mas pinawisan ako kaysa sa kanya.”
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