Nash Racela was wearing a smile on his face during his team’s post-game press conference after Adamson University’s crucial 62-58 loss to Ateneo de Manila University that might have changed the complexion of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Final Four.
However, his expression concealed anger and frustration.
Racela expressed strong emotions about his belief that his Soaring Falcons did not receive their fair share of calls from the referees.
He argued, in a sarcastic manner, that in a tight game like the one against the Blue Eagles, his team should have had instances where they were favored.
“As a coach, I should be happy with the way our players competed but it’s not enough that you just compete,” he said. “Maybe you would agree that Ateneo played a great fourth quarter, yeah?
“But this is something that surprised me – when we were up six points at the end of the third (quarter), we got into penalty right away with 7 ½ minutes to go when we were up (by) six (points),” he added. “So the story of the fourth quarter is 11 (fouls against Adamson) to two (fouls against Ateneo) fouls. Ateneo got 15 free throws and we got nothing.
“That’s the sad part. They’re taking away a lot from our players.”
“I’d like to credit Ateneo for that game. Maybe they made great adjustments in the fourth quarter. That’s your narrative every time you write… But what’s the real story? Even that last attempt by (Cedrick) Manzano when we were down one, (Joseph) Obasa hit him,” he rued regarding a crucial play that occurred with 24 seconds left in the game and Ateneo up by two.
“I know he’s not a good free throw shooter, but at least give him a chance. Patirahin mo. Kung ma-shoot niya (and) for some reason he makes it, mag-iiba yung game.”
Racela is undoubtedly one of the most experienced and esteemed coaches in the basketball community. He wouldn’t have reached where he is now without a strong attention to detail.
He knew the message he wanted to convey to the media as he entered the press room with notes on statistics that frustrated him. He even pointed out a previous game in the tournament to back up his argument.
“Now I know how UE felt when they complained Ateneo got 34 free throws versus their four,” said Racela. “But now, sa amin, the timing – why fourth quarter? In three quarters, only 16. All of a sudden sa fourth, you give them 15?
“Kawawa yung mga bata. Diba coaches, sanay na kami diyan. Wherever we coach, these things happen. But give these kids a chance. Nag-aaral. Midterms nga this week eh. This week in midterms. They had to go to school to take their exams, study, practice with the kind of schedule that we have. At least man lang, you give them a chance. Give them a fair chance.”
This loss left a bitter taste in Racela’s mouth. Ateneo is now in the driver’s seat, although it will have to defeat University of the East and archrival De La Salle University to seal the deal.
The Season 78 champion could only lament what might have been. But he implied that something like this was bound to happen.
“I know they like Ateneo to make it to the Final Four. I don’t know how much percentage. Malaki, majority diba? The UAAP probably wants them. A lot of people probably want them to go in.,” Racela ranted.
Ang sabi ko nga sa team after (the game) sa huddle — the sad reality is even before the start of the season, you’re already out of the Final Four. So it will take more from you guys if you want to enter. I like my players because they’re doing their part.”
He opined, “It’s not perfect but they’re fighting. They’re developing grit. That’s something I mentioned last time but every game they give themselves a chance. I hope the others give them a chance because they deserve it.
“Nothing is given for free but they’re trying to give it to the others for free. That’s not fair. At least we have two more games. Hopefully, we do our part. Mathematically possible. It will be harder than today. Whatever they want, I don’t know what they want but we’ll do our part. We’ll try to win games.”
Amidst this situation, Racela wants his Soaring Falcons to keep fighting. They may not be in the driving seat anymore, but they will definitely look to finish strong and wait for any slip-ups from the Blue Eagles.
In the end, he couldn’t resist one parting shot while telling his boys to continue doing their best.
“We go to every game confident of our capabilities. Yun ang lagi naming tinuturo sa kanila. So it’s the same approach regardless of the situation moving forward. I want them to still, despite Ateneo being ahead, be confident,” he said.
“I want them to play with a lot of confidence because if they overcome this, they’ll be stronger. They’ll be tougher. They’ll give themselves a chance. It will be a nice narrative. You change the narrative, sabi ko sa kanila,” he continued.
“Last year, we did. We were able to change the narrative. Hopefully this year but it’s hard to change the narrative…”
