The Adamson Soaring Falcons are heading to their third Final Four playoff in as many seasons after beating the Ateneo Blue Eagles to close the UAAP Season 87 eliminations.
Third time’s the charm for the Adamson Soaring Falcons as they head into their third playoff for a Final Four spot in as many seasons, beating the Ateneo Blue Eagles 69-55 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre Saturday in San Juan.
Finishing their elimination round at 6-8, the Soaring Falcons earned the right to face the UE Red Warriors in a do-or-die knockout game on Wednesday, November 27, for the last Final Four spot.
[RELATED: Adamson soars past Ateneo to set up UAAP Final Four playoff against UE]
Despite having to go through one more game to make it to the semis, Adamson head coach Nash Racela doesn’t mind the extra effort to hopefully keep their season going for even longer.
“Well, we’re willing to go through that every year. If that’s our shot to make it to the Final Four. We’re just thankful, really really grateful that the Lord blessed us with this win today,” said Racela after the game.
“Alam ko yung mga players namin really deserve it, because we still have a chance. It’s something we preach to them. As long as you do your part, you will get rewarded,” he added.
Among those stepping up for Racela in the crucial victory were his bench unit, which ended up scoring a combined 42 points. With his usual players struggling, the soft-spoken tactician had a lot to be happy about.
Bench players Royce Mantua and Matt Erolon were among the biggest contributors in the win, scoring 14 and 11 markers, respectively.
But more than seeing his players regain their offensive touch, it was all about defense for the San Marcelino-based squad.
“So I guess today, [we’re] not really perfect, but sabi nga ni Coach Tab [Baldwin] we shot really well today. Unlike the other game. Well, we were just able to have a session here yesterday, I guess it really helped us get some confidence by taking those shots,” said Racela.
“But I guess, more than that, it’s our defense. Yun naman yung sabi nga namin, it’s our ticket to being competitive as a team, which we missed the last time we played UST. Nawalan tayo ng depensa. But today, yeah, I think we’re back to our old selves,” he added.
Against Ateneo, the Soaring Falcons defense limited the Katipunan cagers to just 32.3 percent shooting. Adamson also forced the Blue Eagles to play more individually, as they managed only eight assists the whole game.
Now faced with a tougher assignment in the UE Red Warriors, Adamson will look to replicate its success.
Adamson and UE clash for the right to face defending champions La Salle in the playoff for the fourth spot on Wednesday, November 27, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.