While University of the East finally celebrated the end of its 30-game losing streak, Adamson University was left to absorb the painful distinction of being the team on the other end of the Red Warriors’ long-awaited breakthrough.
Despite the disappointment, Soaring Falcons head coach Nash Racela made sure his team displayed sportsmanship after UE’s 53-47 victory over Adamson, leading the customary post-game handshakes and exchanging smiles with the opposition.
The defeat extended Adamson’s winless run in the second round of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
For the Season 78 champion mentor, as painful as the loss was, UE deserved the victory, especially after the Red Warriors dug deep to finally snap their skid following narrow defeats against the likes of De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines.
“UE deserved the win,” said Racela.
“That’s something we talked about before the game: if you want to get your first win of the second round, you really have to get it.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Perhaps the clearest indication of Adamson’s struggles came in the final frame, when the Soaring Falcons managed just one field goal throughout the entire fourth quarter.
Matt Erolon’s three-pointer at the 2:51 mark, which pulled Adamson within three at 47-50, proved to be the team’s lone field goal in the period as the Falcons struggled to mount a comeback.
Racela could only watch from the sidelines as his squad failed to find its shooting touch.
While the Soaring Falcons intend to dissect their performance when they return to the drawing board, the former Talk ‘N Text mentor lamented the struggles of his primary trio of Monty Montebon, Erolon, and Ray Allen Torres, who combined for a dismal 3-of-30 shooting clip from the field.
“We have to watch the video, but it’s hard to battle when your top three, supposedly, cannot shoot a basket,” he said.
“I think they had legit looks naman.”
Now carrying a four-game losing streak and a 4-7 record after opening the second round without a victory, Adamson faces an uphill battle with remaining assignments against Ateneo de Manila University, La Salle, and the University of Santo Tomas.
With their margin for error shrinking with each game, the Soaring Falcons have little choice but to regroup, keep fighting, and make the most of their remaining opportunities.
“Just continue the fight,” said Racela.
“Continue the fight, and hopefully we’ll pull through.”
