Late-Game Execution Lifts Adamson Past La Salle in UAAP Thriller
Adamson responded to another tense fourth quarter by defeating defending champion La Salle, 63-60, during UAAP Season 89 action. The Soaring Falcons finished the first round at 4-3 after producing the closing response missing against UP previously.
Adamson Responds to UP Collapse With La Salle Win
Luisa Morales of One Sports detailed Adamson’s response after its painful 69-67 defeat against University of the Philippines. The Falcons had surrendered a 13-point advantage against the Fighting Maroons before facing another difficult closing situation against La Salle.
Head coach Nash Racela directly connected Sunday’s different outcome with lessons his players absorbed from their previous fourth-quarter collapse. Adamson again surrendered an advantage, but the Falcons recovered late enough to secure their fourth victory through seven games.
Image from: Tiebreaker Times
Racela Credits Experiential Learning After Victory
“Yes, after the hymn, when we gathered, I told them it’s obvious that they learned something from the previous game, from the UP game. The result is different. That’s how you learn. Experiential learning,” Racela said after the match.
“We had to go through that fire for us to be better. Today, we showed resilience. Guys didn’t give up.”
Racela’s comments provided the clearest connection between Adamson’s consecutive close games and the different results produced against UP and La Salle. His assessment also placed Sunday’s resilience within the Falcons’ continuing development rather than treating the three-point victory as an isolated result.
La Salle Erases Adamson Lead During Fourth Quarter
Adamson entered the closing minutes protecting another advantage before La Salle completed its comeback during the decisive fourth-quarter stretch. Henry Agunanne converted a jumper with 2:57 remaining, moving the Green Archers ahead, 58-57, after trailing earlier.
Matthew Montebon answered by splitting two free throws, bringing Adamson level at 58-all before another crucial possession followed. The sequence gave the Falcons another opportunity to respond after experiencing a similarly difficult closing situation against UP previously.
Agunanne Puts Green Archers Ahead With 2:57 Left
Agunanne’s basket gave La Salle a 58-57 advantage, placing Adamson behind during the final three minutes of regulation. Montebon’s free throw restored parity shortly afterward, setting the stage for the possession that ultimately decided Sunday’s three-point contest.
Matty Erolon Hits Go-Ahead Triple for Adamson
Matty Erolon delivered Adamson’s decisive basket by sinking a three-pointer with 30.7 seconds remaining for a 61-58 advantage. The guard finished with a team-high 14 points while providing the shot that returned control to the Soaring Falcons.
Emman Anabo later converted two free throws as Adamson protected its advantage during La Salle’s final attempt to respond. Those closing possessions completed a different ending from the UP defeat, when Adamson surrendered its double-digit lead before losing narrowly.
Guard Finishes With Team-High 14 Points
Erolon’s 14 points led Adamson, while his late three-pointer created the decisive separation during another one-possession fourth-quarter battle. Anabo’s two late free throws helped preserve the advantage after Erolon had moved the Falcons ahead with 30.7 seconds remaining.
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Racela Sees Growing Trust Within Adamson
Racela also highlighted developing trust between Adamson’s players and coaching staff while discussing the team’s progress after Sunday’s victory. He acknowledged previous moments when players questioned substitutions, but described a relationship increasingly allowing suggestions and communication from both sides.
“For a while, it looked like we were rattled and we were giving up, but in the end, nagsama-sama sila. I like what Matty said about trust. I think at this point, my players should know that I trust them so well. I’m seeing that slowly, medyo they’re building also that trust in me,” said Racela.
Players Become More Involved in Sideline Communication
Racela described players becoming more willing to communicate suggestions instead of simply reacting when they questioned coaching decisions during games. His comments framed that dialogue as part of a relationship Adamson hopes to sustain when Season 89 resumes for Round 2.
“Sometimes kasi, when I do substitutions, when I do something, I see reactions in their faces. Meaning, they question me a little bit. They question what I do. Now, they even submit and they even suggest. Maybe they think this is better. I like that relationship that we’re building. Hopefully, we could really sustain that and bring it to the second round.”
Adamson Finishes UAAP First Round With 4-3 Record
Adamson completed the opening round at 4-3 after Sunday’s victory gave the Falcons their fourth win through seven games. The record kept them alongside University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University, which also finished the first round at 4-3.
The Falcons carried both narrow outcomes into Round 2 after losing by two against UP and beating La Salle by three. Those consecutive results provided contrasting endings before Adamson began another seven-game stretch against opponents already encountered during the opening round.
Falcons Enter Round 2 Among Final Four Contenders
Adamson entered the second round at 4-3 alongside UST and FEU, leaving those teams level after seven opening-round games. The Falcons therefore began their return schedule with little separation between several programs competing for postseason positions in Season 89.
Analytical Breakdown: Adamson’s Growth Goes Beyond Erolon’s Shot
Adamson’s biggest improvement was staying composed after surrendering another advantage, showing immediate growth from its painful collapse against UP. Erolon’s decisive shot mattered, but the Falcons’ collective discipline beforehand created the opportunity for another late possession to succeed. Growing trust between Racela and his players could become increasingly valuable when second-round opponents force quicker tactical adjustments under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Adamson beat La Salle in UAAP Season 89?
Adamson defeated defending champion La Salle, 63-60, to complete the first round with a 4-3 record in Season 89.
Who hit the go-ahead shot for Adamson?
Matty Erolon buried the go-ahead three-pointer with 30.7 seconds remaining, giving Adamson a 61-58 advantage against La Salle.
What did Adamson learn from its UP loss?
Nash Racela said Adamson showed resilience and applied lessons learned from its previous late collapse against the Fighting Maroons.
What is Adamson’s record entering Round 2?
Adamson completed the UAAP Season 89 first round at 4-3 alongside fellow contenders UST and FEU in the standings.
Why did Nash Racela emphasize trust?
Racela said his players were gradually building trust in him while becoming more willing to communicate suggestions during games.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Sports Inquirer – Inquirer.net.
