During his time with Adamson University, Earl Medina has built a reputation as a prototypical 3-and-D player.
And when the Soaring Falcons needed him the most, he delivered.
Adamson finds itself in a tight three-way race with De La Salle-Zobel and the University of the East for the last Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Tournament.
Last Sunday, the Baby Falcons took on the Junior Archers in a crucial matchup.
Medina’s assignment? Shut down one of the country’s top prospects — Kieffer Alas.
Baby Falcons head coach Mike Fermin made sure his defensive ace was locked in.
“Challenge sa kanya ‘yan e, kasi ilang beses naming ni-replay sa kanya ‘yung tira sa kanya ni Kieffer noong last game. Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘It can happen again if you allow him. Just challenge him,’” said Fermin.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Medina didn’t just accept the challenge — he embraced it.
For 37 minutes, he hounded Alas relentlessly.
By the final buzzer, the 6-foot-2 All-Asia guard was held to just 6-of-20 shooting for 17 points while committing three turnovers.
More importantly, Adamson secured a crucial 76-66 win over DLSZ, creating a two-game cushion over both the Junior Archers and UE.
“Pinrepare po talaga kami kay Kieffer. Magaling talaga siya. Yung team concepts, nag-defense kami, and we managed to stop him,” said Medina, who also stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
His familiarity with Alas, a former Gilas Boys teammate and good friend, also played a role in his defensive effort.
“Siyempre, nagsama na rin kami sa Batang Gilas at naging magkaibigan kami. I learned a lot from him,” Medina added.
With three games left, Fermin reminded his squad that their job is far from over.
After all, one misstep could erase their hard-earned advantage.
“Yun yung ininstill naming mindset sa kanila — na sa depensa magsisimula, which is what we should be known for. Good thing, they were up for the challenge,” said Fermin.
