Adamson’s strong start surprises Nash Racela, adds to La Salle’s woes

LEADER. Mathew Montebon in action during Adamson's first-round duel against La Salle in the UAAP.

UAAP

‘I apologize to my players because they really surprised me, the whole team,’ says Adamson coach Nash Racela as his Falcons cap the UAAP first round strong with an upset of defending champion La Salle

AT A GLANCE

• Adamson has surprised many by achieving a 4-3 record in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament, including a notable win against defending champions La Salle.
• Head coach Nash Racela acknowledged the team's unexpected success and emphasized their strong defensive performance, allowing the fewest points per game in the league.
• Despite their strong start, Racela cautioned that the team must remain focused and continue to learn as they have seven more games in the second round.

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MANILA, Philippines – Adamson has exceeded expectations, and even head coach Nash Racela is surprised by the heights the Soaring Falcons have reached.

The Falcons secured the third-best record at 4-3 by the end of the first round of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament, capping it with a 70-68 stunner over defending champion La Salle Green Archers.

As the Falcons soared, La Salle slipped to 3-4, joining Ateneo in a tie for sixth place.

Few expected Adamson to find itself among the league’s top teams after seven games, with Racela admitting that while he believed in his team’s potential, he did not anticipate such a strong start.

“We should be happy with where we are at right now,” Racela said. “To be honest, as a coach, I knew what we could do as a group. I could see our potential.”

“I apologize to my players because they really surprised me, the whole team. I wasn’t expecting to be at this point after the first round,” he added.

Adamson’s only losses in the opening round came against league-leading NU, Ateneo, and the UP Fighting Maroons.

Against UP, the Falcons controlled much of the game before the Maroons caught fire from beyond the arc in the final six minutes to steal the win.

Adamson nearly suffered the same fate against La Salle, but this time, it held its ground down the stretch. Matty Erolon delivered the decisive blow with a clutch three-pointer to help seal the two-point victory.

The result further complicated the title defense of the Green Archers, who are still leaning on last season’s championship core led by Jacob Cortez, but this time, minus Mike Phillips.

In keeping with its identity, Adamson has built its early success on the defensive end. The Falcons have allowed a league-best 65.86 points per game, making them the toughest defensive team to score against through the first seven games.

Graduating guard Mathew Montebon has also emerged as one of the UAAP’s most productive floor generals after averaging 12.14 points, 2.71 rebounds, 3.71 assists, and 2.14 steals per game in the first round, while shooting 36% from three-point range on more than six attempts per game.

Erolon has provided another scoring option, averaging 10.57 points per contest, while foreign student-athlete Precious Jonah has made his presence felt on both ends of the floor with 10.43 points, 7.71 rebounds, 1.00 steal, and 2.57 blocks per game.

Ray Allen Torres, Mat Edding and Earl Medina have also delivered valuable offensive contributions while helping maintain the team’s defensive intensity.

For Racela, the progress goes beyond the numbers as he has seen his players grow more comfortable in his system and develop greater trust in one another.

“At this point, my players should know that I trust them so well. And I see slowly that they’re building trust in me,” Racela said.

Despite Adamson’s strong finish to the first round, Racela is not letting the team get carried away. 

With seven games still to come in the second round, he knows the Falcons have yet to accomplish anything significant.

“Seven games are done, but it does not really mean anything,” Racela said. “Experiential learning. We have to go through fire to learn.”

La Salle will open the second round against the winless UE Red Warriors on Wednesday, October 21, while Adamson takes on the FEU Tamaraws next on Saturday, October 24. – Rappler.com