ADAMSON coach Kenneth Duremdes was disappointed with the way his veterans played in the first game of what is expected to be a long, trying year for the Falcons.
The Falcons allowed the Ateneo Blue Eagles to open a big lead early, and things got no better the rest of the way as they dropped a lopsided 57-79 defeat on Saturday.
So frustrated was Duremdes that Adamson players and coaches were still holed up in the dugout at halftime of the day's second game between University of Santo Tomas and National University.
When he finally came out, Duremdes rued the poor play of his veteran players who were supposed to lead the new-look team.
“Veterans ko, parang nasama din sila sa nangyari,” said Duremdes. “We are expecting them to fill in. Pero nasama rin sila.”
Jansen Rios scored a team-high 15 points but he was saddled with three quick fouls in the first quarter. Don Trollano was also a non-factor, scoring just seven points.
Because of Rios' foul trouble, Kiefer Ravena had a field day as he exploded for 22 points.
“We reminded Rios to focus on Kiefer at the start of the game. Noong nag-three fouls, doon na bumuhos si Kiefer,” said Duremdes.
Nevertheless, Duremdes found some positives in the Falcons' more aggressive play in the second half.
“You have to give it to the boys. Ibang territory ito especially sa mga high school players na hindi masyadong exposed sa ganito. Nandoon pa rin ‘yung attitude. Pero too late,” Duremdes said.
“We just reminded the players that it won’t be easy for them. I emphasized that this is going to be a quick learning process. Kapag natagalan tayo dito, mahihirapan tayo.
"If you are not tough enough mentally and physically, hindi makakapaghintay sa inyo ang panalo. We are young but we are here to play,” said Duremdes.
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