There’s something different about the Adamson Falcons these days.
The San Marcelino-based cagers are showing more poise down the stretch, something that was not seen in previous seasons.
And this is what makes them scary when the Falcons clash with the National University Bulldogs at 4 p.m. today in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
The Falcons showed this following a close game with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 69-68, last Wednesday.
And that was when Sean Manganti, who was struggling with a foot injury, nailed a floater with 0.7 of a second left.
“Probably the old Adamson, when they’re down by eight or 10 points heading into the four, five minutes, that 10 points will balloon to a bigger lead. But this time around we kept our composure, which is a trademark of accepting their respective roles, accepting that it’s high time somebody should assume responsibility down the stretch,” said coach Franz Pumaren.
The Falcons are on their best start since 2003 and are seeking to improve on this with their fifth straight triumph at the expense of the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have a 1-2 win-loss slate after their 46-72 loss to the defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles.
The Blue Eagles (3-1) are going for their fourth consecutive win in their 1 p.m. battle with the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.
The Growling Tigers have slumped down the standings at 1-2, following a 72-79 drubbing from the Falcons.
One of their shooters Raffy Verano, who injured in the fourth period, is expected to be back.”‹