Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net
By his calculations, there will be even more to contend for among the teams that typically occupy the bottom half of the table.
It’s not a lofty goal, but for Nash Racela, it’s good enough for now.
Article continues after this ad
“Everybody’s talking about La Salle and UP (University of the Philippines) and maybe NU (National University),” Adamson said, “so in my mind, the No. 4 spot is really open for the rest of the season. [teams].”
The Falcons began their quest for fourth place with a 59-47 win over Far Eastern U, in which they trailed early in the first half but then rallied against the young Tamaraws.
Adamson can’t afford a slow start now.
Article continues after this ad
“I just hope La Salle calms down first,” Racela joked after his protégés took some time to find their footing.
“we [the Green Archers] You know how strong La Salle is because they will be tested in the match.”
For those unaware, La Salle was defending their title and opened the season with a victory thanks to reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao overcoming a seven-point deficit in the final minutes to beat NU 78-75.
Same plan
A string of early wins would go a long way in helping Adamson get into the Final Four and go from there.
Stacking wins early on is certainly part of Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin’s plan, and the champion coach believes his team will eventually come together to take on everyone, but only in the second half of this season.
“Obviously, the goal is to get better quickly and start winning because I think this team has the potential to be a pretty good team by the end of the season,” Baldwin said.
“But if we’re not in the running to win by the end of the season then we’ll be looking further down the road,” he added.
Unlike the Falcons, however, the Eagles will be coming into the game with no momentum after a 77-61 loss to the Maroons in their season opener, in which they were without captain Chris Kuhn with an ankle injury.
The Ateneo captain will likely miss the Eagles’ match against the restructured University of Santo Tomas, led by former teammate and captain Forto Padrigao.
“We know [the Growling Tigers] We have some really talented people. [Nic] “Cabañero is one of the best players in the league. Point Forsky is an issue. We have some good basketball players transferring in this year. It’s going to be a test for us,” Baldwin said.
Rising rookie Jared Bahay from Cebu will be the center of attention again after his impressive performance for Ateneo with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
The subscription was successfully completed.
Meanwhile, the Tigers are fresh off a thumping 70-55 win over the University of the East Warriors. INQ
