Adamson University has shown it can compete with University of the Philippines in both its first and second-round encounters in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
However, the Fighting Maroons – a favorite to return to the Finals – have also demonstrated both times that they have the finishing kick the Soaring Falcons lack.
Adamson, one of the five teams clustered in the middle of the standings, stayed within striking distance until midway through the fourth quarter against UP last Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Soaring Falcons were down by just a point with 3:48 left in the game, but what followed was a masterclass from the Fighting Maroons on closing games – going on a 12-0 run to secure the 70-59 victory.
Another heartbreaker – its fifth straight – dropped Adamson to 3-7. They are now in a three-way tie with Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University for the fifth to seventh spots.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“It’s nice to be able to compete against UP, at least give ourselves a chance, but you give that little extra. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, that little extra is the difference maker, so I just hope we give that something for us to be able to win,” said Falcons head coach Nash Racela after the loss.
“I think it’s the difference between winning and losing – that little extra.”
Their first-round match against UP was even more painful, as they saw their once 31-9 lead disappear and ended up losing by 12 points, 69-57.
Despite the seemingly unending string of losses, Racela’s belief in his team remains strong.
Mathew Montebon, Cedrick Manzano, AJ Fransman, Matt Erolon, and Joshua Yerro have been leading the team’s efforts this season.
“I have lots of belief in this team. Actually, going into this game, I was declaring it a miracle Sunday, but it didn’t happen. But that’s how confident I was,” said the fourth-year Adamson mentor.
“I know if we only do our part, good things can happen, but today kulang pa siguro. Maybe we just need to do a little more.”
The Soaring Falcons’ fate is still in their hands, with four games left in the second round and fourth-seed University of Santo Tomas just a game and a half above them at 5-6.
Adamson’s remaining games are against the University of the East, National University, UST, and Ateneo.
