Adamson University’s title defense in the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Tournament got off to a rocky start, finishing the first round with a concerning 3-4 win-loss record.
While most teams might have faltered under pressure, the Baby Falcons stayed resilient, finding their rhythm at the perfect time to strengthen their bid for back-to-back titles and a Final Four berth.
Following a hard-fought 70-66 victory over Far Eastern University-Diliman on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, Adamson has now won four of its five second-round games, solidifying its grip on fourth place.
The Baby Falcons notched their third consecutive win, improving to a 7-5 record and creating a crucial two-game cushion over the University of the East Junior Warriors (5-7) in the race for the last Final Four spot.
It may have taken almost an entire round for Adamson to rediscover its championship form. Still, long-time head coach Mike Fermin feels relieved that his squad is finally hitting its peak — right when it matters most.
“Magdilang anghel ka sana, hopefully diba? Nakakaasar nga diba kung makikita natin mga games namin, first round, parati kaming slow start. This time around okay na kami,” Fermin told Tiebreaker Times.
“Tama ka, we’re peaking at the right time and hopefully nga ma-sustain namin hanggang dulo kasi sobrang importante na yung mga games na darating.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Adamson’s job is far from finished, though.
With two games remaining, they will face a University of Santo Tomas squad gunning for a twice-to-beat advantage, followed by a UE team determined to reach the Final Four for the first time in over two decades.
The Tiger Cubs, currently holding a 10-2 record at second place, are on track to secure the last playoff incentive. Meanwhile, the Junior Warriors kept their postseason hopes alive with a crucial 71-65 victory over De La Salle Zobel.
Despite their opponents also finding peak form, Fermin reminded the Baby Falcons to stay focused on their own performance rather than worrying about external factors.
“Actually, we’re looking at our own backyard eh, kumbaga parang, kung ano yung kaya namin i-control dun kami, which is our games. So whatever happens to their game, at least, yes, may cushion na kami,” Fermin explained.
“Eh may two games pa natitira, so we cannot relax. Sa dulo UE pa ata kalaban namin, so it might matter down the line. So, we just have to take care of our own backyard, kailangan ayusin namin yung sa kaya namin i-control.”
