Racela lauds Adamson's maturity in upset of reigning champ UP in UAAP men's basketball

Adamson relied on effort and perseverance as it grinded out a gutsy 62-59 win over defending champion University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Falcons head coach Nash Racela spoke highly of his team laser-sharp focus in the match, even as they also dealt with confusing officiating late in the game, including a moment where play continued with only four AdU ballers fielded.

“Hindi ako puwedeng umangal. I should be the happiest coach. I saw their effort. I think this game does not only entail 'yong heart nila, kailangan din ng utak. I think today, they were very focused,” said Racela as his charges kept the Fighting Maroons winless in two games.

[RELATED STORY: Adamson sends defending champ UP reeling to 0-2 start in UAAP Season 88 men's basketball]

A whole 20 seconds passed since Cedrick Manzano’s sub, Joshua Barcelona, was unable to enter the court before play resumed.

By the time the play restarted with five Adamson players on the floor, there was only 1:10 left in the match with the count knotted at 57-all.

UP failed to convert in the next possession, which led to an AJ Fransman layup for AdU to go up by two, 59-57, with 37.4 ticks to go.

Harold Alarcon quickly countered for another standoff at 59-all, but UPIS product Ray Torres came through with the game-winning triple at the 2.8-second mark.

[ALSO READ: Tab Baldwin rues ADMU’s FT shooting in close win vs UE in UAAP: 'We're missing too many']

Racela praises Falcons' maturity

Racela lauded his players for being dialed in, especially in weathering the Fighting Maroons' fourth quarter storm.

“'Yong mga adjustments na ginagawa namin on the fly, they were able to execute. I guess that’s part of maturity, it truly shows maturity,” Racela said.

Nash Racela gives out instructions during Adamson's match against UP in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball Wednesday, Sept. 24. | Photo: UAAP

Fransman and late-game hero Torres finished with 10 markers each, with the former also grabbing eight rebounds.

Manzano, meanwhile, added eight markers, seven boards and four assists.

Skipper Gerry Abadiano paced the reeling Fighting Maroons with 15 points.

Adamson vs UP Scores:

AdU 62 – Fransman 10, Torres 10, Manzano 8, Montebon 8, Anabo 6, A. Ronzone 6, Erolon 6, Barcelona 3, Demisana 2, Medina 2, Tumaneng 1, Perez 0, C. Ronzone 0, Ojarikre 0.

UP 59 – Abadiano 15, Alarcon 12, Stevens 10, Nnoruka 8, Palanca 4, Torres 4, Fortea 4, Bayla 2, Remogat 0, Felicilda 0, Belmonte 0, Yniguez 0, Alter 0.

Quarterscores: 15-13, 26-24, 46-39, 62-59

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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.

Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team and mixed martial arts.