Controversial Final Possession Overshadows Adamson’s Narrow Defeat
Nash Racela questioned the final possession after Adamson suffered a 69-67 defeat against UP during UAAP Season 89. The Falcons coach wanted officials to review possible contact involving Monty Montebon during his last-second three-point attempt.
Racela Questions Final Sequence Against UP
Joaquin Cortez of Tiebreaker Times covered Racela’s concerns following Wednesday’s game between Adamson and UP at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Racela said Adamson requested a review after hearing what he believed was a whistle during the final possession.
Montebon attempted a shot from beyond half court with Adamson trailing by two as the remaining seconds expired. Racela alleged that UP’s Dikachi Ududo pulled Montebon’s jersey while the guard attempted the potential game-winning three-pointer.
“Well, the final sequence … We asked for a review, and we really heard a whistle. And may referee na may sumenyas,” Racela said.
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Adamson Requested Review of Montebon’s Final Shot
Racela maintained that Adamson wanted officials to review the sequence before confirming the conclusion of the two-point game. The contest officially ended without the requested review, while no free throws were awarded to Montebon after his final attempt.
“We watched the replay, and Ududo was all over Montebon. So amin naman, the minimal thing that they could have done was just to really review it. Kung sabi nila hindi, edi hindi. Then, nag-walk-out na sila. They never gave us a chance in the end.”
Racela Points to Referee Audio After 69-67 Loss
Racela suggested audio from the officials’ microphones could help determine whether a whistle occurred during Adamson’s disputed final possession. He also acknowledged uncertainty about whether the Falcons possessed any formal option to challenge the ending after the game.
“May option ba kami? I don’t know if we have options, but we heard something,” Racela said.
The Adamson coach nevertheless urged the commissioner’s office to examine the available material surrounding the final sequence against UP. His request centered on establishing what happened during the possession rather than an official ruling that Montebon had been fouled.
“I think ’yung commissioner’s office can review it kasi may mic ang mga referees nila. Sabi nila, ’di nag-whistle. I think it’s their responsibility to at least review it.”
Racela Seeks Further Examination of Closing Sequence
Racela specifically identified the referees’ microphones as material the commissioner’s office could examine following Adamson’s narrow defeat. The available account does not establish that officials formally ruled a shooting foul occurred on Montebon’s final three-point attempt.
Adamson Loses 13-Point Lead Before UP Comeback
Adamson held a 13-point advantage during the second half before UP erased the deficit and secured its 69-67 victory. The comeback placed the disputed final possession within a broader game where the Falcons previously held a substantial advantage.
Racela praised his players following the defeat while acknowledging that UP survived another closely contested meeting between the teams. He also highlighted the absence of an officially recorded UP foul during the fourth quarter while discussing the comeback.
“I told the boys that I was very proud of them because UP survived today,” he said.
Racela Highlights UP’s Fourth-Quarter Defense
Racela specifically addressed UP’s fourth-quarter defense after the Fighting Maroons completed their comeback from the 13-point second-half deficit. His comments focused on UP finishing the final period without an officially recorded foul during the two-point victory.
“I think UP played one hell of a defense without committing a single foul in the fourth quarter. So I need to study that.”
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Adamson Falls Into Four-Team Tie at 3-3
Wednesday’s defeat dropped Adamson to 3-3 and moved the Falcons into a crowded group within the Season 89 standings. De La Salle, Ateneo, and UST also held identical 3-3 records following the latest round of UAAP competition.
Adamson had entered the game occupying third place before the narrow defeat changed its position within the first-round standings. The four identical records left those teams level as the Season 89 schedule continued toward the remaining elimination games.
La Salle, Ateneo and UST Share Falcons’ Record
Adamson, De La Salle, Ateneo, and UST each carried 3-3 records after Wednesday’s UAAP Season 89 results. The Falcons joined that four-team group after UP erased their 13-point advantage and completed the 69-67 comeback victory.
Adamson-UP Rivalry Produces Another Close Finish
Wednesday’s two-point result followed another close Adamson-UP meeting during Season 88, when the Falcons defeated the Fighting Maroons, 62-59. That previous matchup also featured an unusual closing sequence during the final minute with both teams battling through a tied game.
Adamson briefly played with four players against UP’s five for approximately 20 seconds during that Season 88 encounter. The score stood at 57-57 during the unusual sequence before the Falcons eventually secured their three-point victory.
Season 88 Meeting Featured Unusual Final-Minute Sequence
Adamson’s previous 62-59 victory over UP included approximately 20 seconds when the Falcons competed with only four players. Wednesday produced another narrow finish between the teams, although UP reversed the previous result with its 69-67 comeback victory.
Analytical Breakdown: The Falcons Let Control Slip
Adamson’s disputed final possession should not overshadow the larger issue of surrendering a 13-point advantage during the second half. UP’s fourth-quarter defense increased pressure without officially conceding fouls, forcing Adamson to execute consistently through increasingly difficult possessions. The Falcons showed enough quality to remain competitive, but stronger closing execution would reduce their dependence on controversial last-second situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Adamson-UP UAAP Season 89 game?
UP defeated Adamson, 69-67, after overcoming a 13-point second-half deficit during their UAAP Season 89 matchup.
Why did Nash Racela question the final play?
Racela believed Montebon encountered contact during his last-second three-point attempt and wanted officials to review the closing sequence.
Was a foul officially called on Montebon’s final shot?
No free throws were awarded, and the game concluded without officials granting the review that Adamson requested afterward.
What is Adamson’s UAAP Season 89 record?
Adamson fell to 3-3, joining De La Salle, Ateneo, and UST in a four-team tie in the standings.
Did Adamson lead UP during the second half?
Adamson held a 13-point second-half advantage before UP completed its comeback and secured the narrow 69-67 victory.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Tiebreaker Times.
