His recent controversial remarks probably fired up his wards.
The Adamson Soaring Falcons edged the NU Bulldogs, 68-62, in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday to keep their Final Four hopes alive.
Didat Hanapi, who topscored for the Soaring Falcons with 13 points, said the Adamson faithful inspired them to hammer out the victory and improve to a 6-7 win-loss record, keeping in step with current fourth placer Ateneo Blue Eagles.
“Siguro bumabawi lang talaga kami sa mga taong walang sawang sumusuporta sa amin. Hindi kami napapagod, tuwing nagte-training kami sila ang iniisip namin,” Hanapi said in a media release.
For coach Nash Racela, who's found himself in the spotlight with his recent biting remarks against the UAAP and its referees, said one facet stood out in their win: Their rebounds. He said that made a world of difference after the Soaring Falcons outrebounded the Bulldogs, 42-34.
“It's always tough when we face NU. Over the years, the game has always been close. I was surprised when I looked at the stats, we outrebounded them,” said Racela in a media release. “They're (NU) a great rebounding team, so I was surprised, and that's one of the reasons why we gave ourselves a chance today.”
Adamson has a chance to at least force a playoff for the last Final Four berth, but it must first beat the UE Red Warriors on Sunday.
The Soaring Falcons should also pray that the streaking De La Salle Green Archers take down the Blue Eagles, who are a game ahead of Adamson.
(PM)