Coach Nash Racela and the Adamson Falcons make the UAAP schedule work in their favor as they chase a Final Four slot in Season 87.
The Adamson Soaring Falcons are making the most of their time in between games to prepare well for their opponents as the race for the Final Four heats up in UAAP Season 87.
After taking a 53-41 win over the NU Bulldogs on Sunday, which eliminated the latter from Final Four contention, head coach Nash Racela said that it was about taking advantage of the “alignment of the stars” for Adamson.
[RELATED: Adamson eliminates NU to keep pace in tight UAAP Final Four race]
“[Ang] important lang is buhay pa kami. That’s something we have been telling the players. Before the game, we told them about the alignment of the stars. Pumoporma,” said Racela, whose team has had lengthy breaks in-between crucial matchups.
“Pero syempre, if we don’t do our part, then it will not happen. That was the challenge we gave them before the game. It's good that they were able to deliver,” he added.
Playing against an inspired NU squad who were on a two-game winning streak, the Soaring Falcons remained in complete control after taking on their foes on the defensive end early.
Though also finding their mark on offense through a career-high performance from AJ Fransman, Adamson was able to deny NU one of its sizzling starts — which were key to the Bulldogs' previous wins against UP and UST.
Also being aware of the star power of his team — or rather, the lack of big ticket names, Racela said that it was a conscious effort to work their way in the game with good defense and turning it to better offense.
“Defensively, that's our ticket [in the game]. I think it's no secret that our chance in this league is really playing tough defense, making it hard for the other opponents. Because we all know and we agree that they are all more talented than us,” said Racela, as the Soaring Falcons improved to 5-7.
“So the only way to counter that really is to play really good defense. It's good that our players are really embracing it. That's why we got the win. Not just today, but the other week,” he added.
Before taking the win over NU, Adamson also won a crucial game against the UE Red Warriors, who are likewise in the race for the Final Four.
Those two big wins, coupled with enough days to prepare for their final two games against UST and Ateneo, will be key for the Soaring Falcons to make a return to the Final Four after missing the cut last year.
As it stands, Adamson is in the fight for the last two spots in the Final Four along with UE, UST, and FEU.
The Soaring Falcons return to action on Saturday, November 16, when they face the UST Growling Tigers at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.