THE Adamson Soaring Falcons, although denied a twice-to-beat incentive, have formally advanced to the Final Four of the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball wars.
But, the quest and the journey to end the season with their best showing in five years is not yet over.
Coach Franz Pumaren said this after the Ateneo Blue Eagles beat the Soaring Falcons, 73-67, Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“We can’t be satisfied with just being in the Final Four. If we are, I wouldn’t waste my preparing the team and reviewing our games. But when everyone answered in an affirmative manner after the game, when I asked if we’re still going to continue our journey. Hopefully, we can pull some surprises,” said Pumaren.
The Soaring Falcons ended up with an 8-6 win-loss and the fourth seeding. They face the unenviable task of taking on the La Salle Green Archers who will be holding a twice-to-beat advantage.
This is their best showing after last reaching the Final Four in 2011 when they bowed to the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
The La Salle Green Archers, who gained the top seeding with their 13-1 slate, will now have a Final Four clash on Wednesday against Adamson.
For the Falcons, getting past the Green Archers will mean preventing a dream finals showdown between Ateneo and La Salle.
The Blue Eagles, who finished the eliminations with a 10-4 win-loss card at no. 2, will face FEU, which is looking for a chance to return to the finals also.
“I’m proud of my team. Who would think that we’ll be in this kind of situation,” said Pumaren.