UAAP: Adamson Falcons not resting after rousing debut

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter
MADE an auspicious start to Season 81 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines with a gutsy victory over defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles, the Adamson Soaring Falcons know all too well that one game does not make a season and that the work continues for them.
Recognized as one of the tournament favorites in the ongoing season, Adamson did not waste time living up to the billing, standing toe-to-toe with Ateneo in their season debut on Sept. 9 and winning, 74-70.
The Falcons showed a “no backing down” mindset and took the fight to the reigning champions, coming up with big plays after big plays on both ends of the court to steadily frustrate the Eagles.
But while they are a proud of how they stood up in their opener and came away with a victory, the San Marcelino dribblers are not getting too caught up with it, instead vowing to continue working and proving their worth.
“We still have to prove ourselves. This opening game win over Ateneo won’t make us a championship team,” Adamson coach Franz Pumaren underscored following their debut season victory.
“We’re still a team struggling to improve our position last season. I think we still have a lot of work to do,” added the coach in tempering the “favorites” tag given to them.
Against Ateneo, Adamson relied on total team effort, boosted, it said, by months of scouting the Eagles.
Jerrick Ahanmisi was solid for the Falcons with 23 points, earning for him the UAAP player of the week honors given by the league press corps.
Vince Magbuhos churned out a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds while big man Papi Sarr had eight points and nine rebounds for Adamson.
“We really prepared hard against Ateneo and I think we scouted them months and months ago. The coaches really prepared us well,” said Ahanmisi after their win.
He was seconded by Mr. Pumaren, who gave credit to his players for stepping up against their preseason tormentors.
“We lost to them twice by 20 points at the offseason. Give credit to players, they played hard today,” said Mr. Pumaren.
Adamson next plays on Saturday, Sept. 15, against the De La Salle Green Archers (0-1) at 4 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Preceding it is the match-up between Ateneo (1-1) and the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (1-1).