FIRST time?
For Adamson, not really.
This will be the third straight season that the Soaring Falcons will figure in a fourth place playoff, fighting once again for the right to advance to the Final Four this UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
Coach Nash Racela finds amusement in this weird twist of fate, but to him, if that’s what it takes for his crew to make it to the semifinals, then so be it.
“If that’s our shot to make it to the Final Four, we’re willing to go through that every year,” he said.
Adamson forced the issue anew after its 69-55 victory over Ateneo on Saturday enabled it to level University of the East in the standings with identical 6-8 win-loss records.
READ: Adamson stays alive, sets up fourth seed playoff vs UE
It’s very much just like how the past two seasons have panned out for the San Marcelino squad, albeit in differing outcomes.
A win and a loss for Adamson
Tied at 7-7, the Soaring Falcons and La Salle figured in a playoff back in Season 85, with Jerom Lastimosa towing his side to the semifinals with an 80-76 escape.
The repeat was not meant to be in Season 86 as Adamson, this time tied with the Blue Eagles at 7-7, faltered in the playoff, 70-48.
In Racela’s eyes, however, that's all old news, and it’s up to this current batch of the Soaring Falcons to make the most of what was given to them - considering the meager expectations placed on them back in the preseason.
“Alam ko yung mga players namin really deserve it because we still have a chance. It’s something we preach to them, na as long as you do your part, you will get rewarded,” he said.
Now, a clash against the Red Warriors awaits.
The two teams split their season series, with UE taking the 63-62 escape back in Oct. 6 thanks to a Wello Lingolingo game-winner before Adamson got one back in a low-scoring 45-37 affair last Oct. 30.
Racela, however, was quick to remind his wards to expect a different ball game this time around, especially with the two teams desperate to catch the last bus to the Final Four.
“It will be a totally different ball game, so you don’t really know what to expect. But sa amin, we will do our part in preparing the players,” he said.
“Labas-pato na lahat. Sabi lang namin sa players na wag na kayo mag-reserve nang kung ano pa.”
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