The Adamson Soaring Falcons are well into the UAAP Season 87 Final Four race after responding positively to Nash Racela’s challenge to give the “little extra.”
Three days after Nash Racela urged his players to give the “little extra,” the Adamson Soaring Falcons had the perfect response to their soft-spoken mentor.
Facing off against third-seeded UE, the Falcons emerged victorious in a gritty 45-37 affair that improved their record to 4-8 heading into the homestretch of eliminations. This also snapped their five-game losing skid, which began against the UP Fighting Maroons last September 28 during Round 1 of eliminations.
Queried about his challenge, Racela gave his stamp of approval to the Falcons.
“I think they gave it their all, today, gave that little extra that we wanted from them. Si Matty [Erolon] nga kanina kala mo mamamatay na sa loob pero he still stayed in there. I’m sure he had some struggles in his head because pagod siya,” Racela said, referring to Erolon’s game-high 18 points.
“But that’s something that we teach, mental toughness. Yeah, everyone that we used to contribute. Eli Ramos defended Lingolingo and [Rainer] Maga kanina. So, ayun lang. I guess, those that we used today were ready and they responded positively. I hope moving forward, that’s what we get always from them.”
UE’s 37 points are their lowest output since 2003 and became the first team to score below 40 points after FEU’s 39-point outing against NU in September 2019 according to league statistician Pong Ducanes.
Adamson held the Warriors to a 15-of-57 shooting clip, equivalent to 26.3 percent throughout the low-scoring affair. Part of this figure is a 3-of-24 (12.5 percent) outing from three-point land as the Falcons contained Season 87’s second-best team from long range.
Lingolingo was limited to five points, while Maga only scored one bucket thanks to Adamson’s suffocating defense. Sniper Ethan Galang went scoreless as he missed all four of his field goal attempts.
Precious Momowei also notched 12 points and 17 rebounds. However, he also committed nine turnovers as Adamson’s triple and double teams resulted in multiple traveling violations for the Nigerian big man.
“Yeah, it takes humility to be able to do that. It takes humility to be able to do that. Yung mga nire-require sainyo gawin niyo, sometimes it’s against your will. So diba, katulad kanina, tutulong ka dun kay Momowei pag umatake. ‘Bat kailangan mo gawin? For the team eh,” said Racela.
In giving the little extra, Racela believes Adamson is learning how to play for each other in this crucial stretch.
“We still are positive because that’s something we preach, you play for each other. I think [against UE], giving up that extra pass, helping when you’re needed, bumping someone kasi ‘yun ang kailangan namin. Diba? Sacrificing your body…It’s a continuous learning for the team.”
‘Where we want to be’
By the time this story is released, Adamson will be in the midst of a 10-day break before taking on the NU Bulldogs on November 10. It’s an uphill climb, but the mathematical chance to become gatecrashers remains alive and well for these Soaring Falcons.
“Again, same mentality. Just look forward to the next game. Prepare for the next game, try again to do our part. Give our best. Sabi nga ni AJ [Fransman] kanina, preparation is key, I think he’s learning. Sabi namin, preparation is the most important thing that gives you confidence in the games,” Racela said.
A 4-7 record places the Falcons one game behind UST, who hold the fourth spot with a 5-6 slate. Up next for the Tigers will also be the Bulldogs on November 6 as they hope to cement their grasp on the final playoff berth.
Yet if history is any indicator, it would be unwise to count a Nash Racela team out. If they can’t steal the fourth spot outright, chances are they can still force a playoff with the Tigers down the line.
“We are where we want to be. We’re just a game behind UST at number 4. That’s what we wanted before this game, para lang magka-legit chance kami. So we’ll keep on pushing, hopefully moving forward, we just press the right buttons,” said the one-time champion coach.
Banner image courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.