While his tone may have been lighthearted, Adamson University coach Nash Racela expressed his disappointment over the closing moments of his team’s 70-65 loss to University of the Philippines.
With the Soaring Falcons trailing 69-65 and only five seconds remaining, Racela instructed his players not to foul.
Yet AJ Fransman was called for a foul, sending UP’s Reyland Torres to the line for free throws. Torres made one, sealing a five-point win for UP.
Racela was frustrated that the foul was called in the first place, leading him to question how some of the game’s calls were made.
“I really think that we gave ourselves a good fighting chance in this game. At the same time, I felt that the 50/50 calls, especially in the fourth quarter, went UP’s way,” said the Season 78 champion mentor.
“I think even in the last possession after the timeout, I just told the players not to foul anymore — and the referees still called a foul. I don’t know why. You do your research why because that’s already a lost game, especially if you don’t foul.”
Since beginning his UAAP coaching journey with Far Eastern University in Season 76, Racela has never shied away from speaking his mind.
It is clear that he is always ready to defend his players when he feels it is necessary.
“Sabi ko nga sa inyo na today, I felt the 50/50 calls went UP’s way,” said Racela. “Sana naman magkaroon kami because that increases our chances because the 50/50 is 50/50, and it could go either way. It cannot go one way yung 50/50. It’s not 50/50 anymore if it always goes to one side. It becomes 60/40 or 51/49.
“Sa akin lang, give us a good fighting chance. You know why? Kasi sayang ang effort ng mga bata. You’re robbing the kids of their future, a lot of them. Marami nanonood sa kanila. Yun ang hindi naiintindihan ng iba na if they perform well, then they have a good future sa basketball,” he added.
“Akala nila it’s just one game they’re taking away from these kids. It’s not one game. It’s a season and the future of the players. Buti kung pagtatrabahuan nila yan after this eh, hindi naman diba?”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Amid a highly competitive Season 88, Adamson is on a three-game skid after close losses to FEU, league leader National University, and UP. The Soaring Falcons — currently sixth in the standings with a 5-7 record — still have a chance to make the Final Four for the third time under Racela.
Up next for Adamson are De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University, two schools also vying for a postseason berth. Racela is hopeful that the ’50-50′ calls will allow his team a fair shot against stronger opponents.
“We are playing stronger teams than us. NU last game, UP — these are perceived favorites. Even FEU is a strong team. Hindi given ang mananalo ka sa kanila. It’s an uphill climb every time. Kaya nga sabi ko, give us a 50/50 good chance because we’re making ourselves stronger than what’s on paper,” he said.
“I see what you see. That’s why sa amin, patas lang. Pag talo kami because of ourselves, ang dali. Don’t rob the kids of their future.”
From Seasons 85–87, Adamson competed in fourth-seed playoff matches, defeating La Salle and University of the East, but losing to Ateneo in between. That pathway may again be their route back to the Final Four.
Racela emphasizes that his players must focus on controlling what they can.
“The good thing, despite the loss toda,y is that we still control our chances. We take care of business the next two games, most likely we play our favorite knockout game for the fourth spot,” he said.
“Again, just like what I said last year, if we do this, we’ll be ready for that one. And I’m consistent — just like what I said last week or the last game — I just hope they give us a good fighting chance.”
