Adamson becomes the happiest 1-13 team ever
The record books will note that Adamson beat UP 67-63 on Tuesday, as both teams wind up with 1-13 slates. But there is so much more to be told about this rather unique matchup between the UAAP's bottom feeders.
“I told my players to stay disciplined in the end of the game,” said a relieved Falcons coach Kenneth Duremdes in the postgame media conference.
“That's been my battlecry all season long. The last (defensive) play was a perfect example. They challenged the shot without even fouling.”
Maroon guard Mikee Reyes' last gasp three-point effort with UP down 63-65 was defended well by ADU as it clanged harmlessly off the back rim. The Falcons grabbed the rebound and Alex Inigo was fouled with 1.6 seconds left. He drained both attempts to seal victory.
“I told the guys to trust your team mates and trust yourself,” said Duremdes, who entered the post game press conference to cheers and whoops from the media.
“Ganito pala dito,” he mused to laughs from sportswriters. Only the winning coach and sometimes a player gets the privilege to meet the press afterwards.
It was a fiercely contested match betweeen two coaches who had never tasted victory this season. UP's Rey Madrid was suspended for the first-round meeting that State U won.
Early in the fourth quarter there was already an indication that magic was in the air for Adamsonians everywhere. Graduating senior Jansen Rios chased after a loose ball in a deadball situation and expertly flicked the ball up with his feet like a footballer. No doubt UP manager Dan Palami, who also manages the Azkals, was impressed.
How intense was this encounter? Both sets of fans were in full voice, as if it there was a title on the line. Adamson brought out the best placard during the game. It turned out to be prescient.
But how bad did UP want it? Madrid was spotted crossing the halfway line in the sidelines with a minute to go, exhorting his charges not to foul. Not wanting to get a silly technical, UP assistant Ramil Cruz raced out from the bench like a point guard in a fast break, grabbed Madrid by his shirt, and dragged him back to safety.
In the end Don Trollano's 21 points, Jansen Rios' 11 points, and Ryan Monteclaro's seven markers were just about good enough for victory. All three played their last games in the UAAP for the Falcons but may suit up in the Unigames if they don't latch on to D-League teams. Duremdes said that the win was dedicated to them and to the long-suffering fans in San Marcelino.
Duremdes also paid tribute to shock troopers William Polican and Jessie Pedrosa, who gave him sixteen quality minutes each and a combined eight points. The coach marveled at the pair, who he said “sacrificed their bodies” during the game.
For UP it's a bitter loss, especially for captain Moriah Gingerich, who has used up his eligibility and was valiant in defeat with 10 points. At least UP will retain the services of Reyes and big man Mark Juruena for season 78. Palami says the team can expect reinforcements next season, when UP will host. Offseason training camps are in the works, and like Adamson, the Fighting Maroons will play in the Unigames.
UP has also been employing American skills coach Joe Ward, formerly with the DLSU staff. Palami has also brought in conditioning coach Madel Galvez, who works with the Azkals and Global FC, also owned by Palami. Galvez, a UP grad and national team fencer, watched the game from the patron seats.
But unlike UP, Adamson will not be celebrating their maiden Season 77 win with a bonfire.
“Wala kaming puno sa Adamson,” explained Duremdes. “Puro kunkreto sa Adamson (campus.)”
But there will no doubt be a party among Adamson students and alumni that will last late into the evening.
