Adamson University coach Nash Racela will always have a soft spot for Far Eastern University.
The former Talk ‘N Text and Blackwater mentor led the school to its last UAAP title back in Season 78 and his sibling, Olsen, serves as the Tamaraws’ head coach.
However, business is business. Adamson defeated FEU 75-70 to keep its Final Four hopes alive in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament. In doing so, the latter was booted out of postseason contention.
“It’s not really a favorable season for FEU no? But if you really follow all their games, ganda eh. Ang ganda talaga,” said the De La Salle University alumnus.
“I think there were three or four games that they led by more than 15 points, only to lose in the end,” added Nash, probably recalling the time when the Tamaraws coughed up a 19-point lead against Ateneo.
“I think that’s… immaturity maybe on their part. But once they find the groove, later on, they’ll be a tough team.”
Back in Season 84, it was Adamson that needed FEU to lose to have a chance to enter the Final Four.
While the Soaring Falcons ended their campaign on a high note with a win over University of the East, the result proved to be immaterial as the Tamaraws prevailed over University of Santo Tomas immediately after.
This time around, it was Adamson’s turn to keep its season alive at FEU’s expense.
“Mabigat lang because we both needed the win, especially us to be able to advance. We have a higher chance of making it sa Final Four as long as we handle, again, business sa end namin,” said Nash.
This campaign has been a difficult one for the Tamaraws. They lost their star guard RJ Abarrientos in the offseason after he decided to go pro and sign with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis.
The Tamaraws then struggled to kill off games, which predominantly led to a 0-5 start. Now, FEU has missed out on a Final Four ticket for the first time since Season 75.
It is indeed a bitter pill to swallow, but there are times when you just need to take the losses and use them as a platform to rebuild and become stronger.
“For FEU we know that they will bounce back strong. They have a good program. Pag nag-mature yan, they’ll be competitive again. This year they were competitive, hindi lang talaga nag ano yung breaks sa kanila sa side.”
