UAAP: Nash Racela thankful for Adamson's team game in OT comeback win vs UST

The Soaring Falcons were on the brink of defeat — until they weren’t.

In a fight-or-flight mode, Adamson refused to fold and got rewarded with a stunning overtime victory over the UST Growling Tigers in the second round of UAAP Season 88.

Adamson looked done after trailing 80–88 with just 32.2 seconds left in regulation.

But UST faltered when it mattered most, missing five of six free throws and leaving the door wide open for the Falcons.

Still trailing 86-89, Monty Montebon rose to the occasion and converted clutch triple with 1.6 seconds remaining—sending the game into overtime. 

In the extra period, with Adamson trailing again at 94–96, Matt Erolon sank the ice-cold three-pointer while drawing a foul with 2.6 seconds left. 

Though he missed the bonus free throw, UST failed to convert on its final possession, sealing the Tigers' collapse and Adamson’s epic comeback.

“We’re developing grit. I huddled the team after and thanked them for not giving up. Today, we were out of tune—it was a struggle—but it’s good that our players played for each other,” Soaring Falcons head coach Nash Racela bared. 

Adamson’s late rally was a blend of poise and persistence, capitalizing on UST’s miscues and keeping their composure in the chaos. 

“In some moments of the game, nagsasapawan kami,” Racela admitted. “But in the end, our players made the right plays—penetrating, making extra passes. That’s how you play.”

Adamson did just that, with four players scoring in double figures, the team racking up 24 assists, and turning 16 UST turnovers into 19 points. 

“I hope this game gives our guys confidence and that they realize those shots went in because they came from the right plays,” Racela added.

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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.

Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.