Adamson University Falcons head coach Nash Racela is thrilled that his team is in contention for a Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.
Racela is pleased that the Falcons are defying the expectations of UAAP fans who doubted their Final Four chances this year, especially with the absence of star guard Jerom Lastimosa.
“We’re pretty much in the hunt, just like the other team that you want in the Final Four,” Racela said in an interview after Adamson’s 61-53 triumph over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Saturday.
“Again, there’s expectation and there’s reality. Ang reality is always based on what’s happening. Right now, we’re happy that we’re competing and we have a chance in the Final Four kahit na hindi kami ‘yung ine-expect na makapasok,” he added.
Currently, the Falcons are in solo fourth place in the standings with a 5-5 win-loss slate after notching their second consecutive win in the second round of the eliminations.
Holding a 50-40 lead in the fourth quarter, the Falcons were threatened by a huge fightback by the Growling Tigers, which cut the deficit to 50-52 with six minutes left.
Adamson responded with Matthew Montebon and Didat Hanapi connecting three consecutive three-pointers to widen the lead to 61-50 with 2:49 remaining in the contest.
“That’s how we want our players to develop. Making decisions on their own, even during adversity. That’s the only way we think they will grow,” said Racela, pointing to their endgame run.
“We give them a bit of guidance, but, to be honest, ang sabi lang namin is not to turn the ball over. ‘Yun lang ang lagi namin sinasabi sa kanila,” he added.
Joshua Yerro led Adamson with 11 points, four assists, and three rebounds, while Joem Sabandal and Montebon finished with nine and eight points, respectively.
Christian Manaytay finished with 13 points and eight rebounds for the Growling Tigers, which are now on the brink of elimination with their 1-9 win-loss record.
The post Adamson’s Nash Racela pleased to be in contention for UAAP Final Four first appeared on Fastbreak.
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