Pegged as one of UAAP Season 80’s top contenders, the Adamson University Falcons sorely failed to live up to the hype in their first outing.
Without bigman Papi Sarr, the Falcons were overwhelmed by the physicailty of Season 79 finalists Ateneo Blue Eagles, 85-65.
While Adamson was outplayed several different ways, Falcons head coach Franz Pumaren chose to look at things simply: Adamson played out of character.
“I think we were flat today. I don’t think that was our usual game and, of course, Ikeh just dominated today. We had a hard time trying to contain him. We have to give credit to them. They really played well,” said the decorated mentor.
“My rookies gave a good account of themselves. It’s just frustrating that my veteran played bad. It’s just a case of Ateneo played well, we played bad.”
Without their Cameroonian center, the Falcons were out-rebounded 60-35, owing to a 29-13 offensive rebounding deficit.
Still, Papi is on a day-to-day basis with his groin injury. Adamson’s first game could have gone entirely different. But Pumaren isn’t one to dwell on “what if’s.”
“I’m one coach – I’ve been coaching for the longest time – that won’t dwell on that and say ‘sayang kung nandoon lang ‘yung this player.’ It’s part of my job to make the most of our remaining players,” Pumaren said defiantly.
“Still, we have 13 games left. We saw what we did well, but, more importantly, we saw what we need to work on. It’s back to basics for us.”
