The National University Bulldogs were primed for a takeover when they faced the the Adamson University Falcons on Wednesday afternoon.
Leading by a measly four points, 40-36, and with Adamson’s Cameroonian student-athlete Papi Sarr in foul trouble during the third quarter, NU’s Alfred Aroga had the perfect situation to dominate.
But the Adamson frontcourt held their own down the stretch, led by sophomore Kristian Bernardo. The backup big man scored all of his seven points in the fourth quarter, nabbing clutch offensive boards that kept the Falcons ahead, 56-51, despite a strong NU rally with three minutes left on the game clock.
“Sa akin kasi, ginawa ko lang ‘yung trabaho ko – ‘yung pinapagawa ni coach. Naisip ko rin na wala si Papi (Sarr) so kailangan ko magstep-up. Nag-rebound lang ako, so dumating lang din sakin yung mga points,” the 21-year-old Bernardo said.
The Marketing Management major has had himself quite the journey. He had toiled for a year in the Team B of Arellano University Chiefs before transferring to Adamson, where he again spent a year with the second squad. The Bulacan native finally got his break last year when he was brought up to the main team for UAAP Season 78 under then-head coach Mike Fermin.
Franz Pumaren complimented Bernardo’s steadfast production and was amazed with the quick growth of his team, especially of his young players.
“Bernardo again made me look good as a coach,” the brash mentor quipped.
“The team is showing great maturity and hopefully we can continue getting production like this from everyone on the team.”
“Ready lang ako lagi sa bench,” Bernardo remarked. “Pag nasa bench ako tinitignan ko lang lagi yung situation ng court. Tinuturan kami ni coach na lumaban hanggang sa huli.”
The Falcons have compiled an impressive string of wins, beating Ateneo and National U in clutch fashion.
They now take on their biggest test of the season, facing the undefeated De La Salle Green Archers on Saturday, 2:00 pm, at the SM Mall Of Asia Arena.
“Mag-preprepare kami sa darating na araw. kung ano papagawa samin ni coach gagawin namin,” Bernardo said.
“Sabi nga ni coach big week namin ito e. Talagang kailangan namin magtrabaho para sa community.”
