ADAMSON University seeks to close out its UAAP Season 86 high school basketball finals series against National University Nazareth School today at The Arena in San Juan.
The Baby Falcons hope to finish the job and capture their first title since coach Charlie Dy’s six-peat squad in 1993 in the 4 p.m. match.
“Sa amin kasi, we always take it one game at a time. The reward of winning this game is we are one foot in getting the championship,” said coach Mike Fermin, referring to Adamson’s series-opening 77-71 victory last Sunday.
With their mindset of winning Game 2, the Baby Falcons spent the past few days viewing the tape of their lapses in the opener.
“It’s a good thing na yung pressure defense namin noong fourth nag-work. Nakarami sila (Bullpups) ng turnover noong fourth and we were able to convert on those turnovers,” said Fermin.
NUNS remains upbeat about its chances of sending the series to a decider on Sunday at the San Juan arena.
“At least kahit paano, may chance pa tayo. Kunin natin ang Game 2 then we see what happens in Game 3. We have to stay positive. Kailangan ng mga bata ngayon,” Bullpups coach Kevin de Castro said.
“Ang sabi ko sa kanila, heads up, ibinigay ninyo naman ang best ninyo,” he added.
Nigeria’s Collins Akowe, who had 26 points and 11 rebounds in the opener, hopes to get the needed support, as Mac-Mac Alfanta was the other NUNS player who scored in double digits with 11 points.
Adamson, meanwhile, is looking forward to a better offensive showing from its heart and soul Tebol Garcia, who only had three points on 1-of-8 shooting in Game 1.
Vince Reyes led the way for the Baby Falcons, scattering nine of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, where the San Marcelino-based dribblers outscored the Bullpups, 26-12, in that period.
The league will honor the best individual performers at 3 p.m.
