Baby Falcons bury NUNS to close out eliminations
Date Posted: February 2, 2024 at 03:12 PM
The Baby Falcons solidified its hold of the top-seed of the UAAP 86 Boys’ Basketball tournament after defeating National University Nazareth School (NUNS), 87-75, January 28, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Adamson used a scorching third period as it orchestrated a 27-9 run to sway the momentum completely to their favor and eventually seal the game.
Earl Medina led the San Marcelino crew, pouring in 12 of his 22 points in the said run.
With the win, Adamson closed the eliminations with a stellar 13-1 record. They are set to face fourth-seeded University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the Final Four playoffs starting this January 31.
Holding a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four semi-finals, the Baby Falcons are determined to avenge their only defeat of the season, inflicted by the UST Tiger Cubs, and get back to the season’s final dance for the second consecutive year.
Head Coach Mike Fermin lauded his boys’ composure after erasing an eight-point deficit in the first half, which he attributed to them executing plays on point to their game plan.
"We just [stuck] to the game plan because yung first half, nangigigil [yung team] eh. Sabi ko, hindi natin tatalunin ng first 10 or 20 minutes ‘yan. We take the whole 40 minutes or even extra minutes," he said during the post-game interview.
He also gave props to the team’s unselfishness and maturity led by seniors Justine Garcia and Vince Reyes.
Garcia posted a double-double with 20 points and 10 assists to go along with six rebounds and three steals, while Reyes punched in 16 markers, five boards, seven dimes and four steals.
Quarter Scores: 26-25, 40-45, 67-54, 87-75.
AdU (87) – Medina 22, Garcia 20, Reyes 16, Bonzalida 9, Carillo 8, Abayon 4, Esperanza 3, Umali 3, Perez 2, Sajili 0.
NUNS (75) – Alfanta 20, Akowe 13, Yusi 9, Tagotongan 8, Nepacena 8, Cartel 6, Palanca 5, Usop 2, Pillado 2, Solomon 2, Reroma 0.
