By MARK REY MONTEJO
In a game as crucial as this, the one with a bigger heart prevails, so expect that as University of the East and Adamson clash anew in the UAAP Season 87 for the fourth and last semis berth at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday evening, Nov. 27.
After splitting their first two games in the double-round elims, both the Warriors and Falcons are expected to pull all the stops in their do-or-die showdown starting at 6:30 p.m.
With the importance of the match, pressure would be heavy from the very start.
A rugged game can’t also be discounted as they intend to complete the semis cast.
Waiting for the winner are reigning titlist La Salle, University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas.
For Nash Racela, this win or go home match is not all about the past but rather how one handles the pressure well because it’s now a different thing.
“When you get to the playoffs, you get into a knockout game.Yung mga nangyari before, wala ‘yon. Sinasabi ko sa kanila na expect na hindi mangyayari ‘yong mga nangyari dati. It will be a totally different ballgame,” said Racela.
“You don’t really know what to expect. Sa amin, gagawin pa rin namin yung [best namin]… mas limited because we play Wednesday. So it will be different but we will do our part in preparing the players,” he added.
The San Marcelino-based squad is hoping to play in the Final Four for the third straight season while UE is looking for its first since 2009 or during the time of Paul Lee.
The Recto-based squad dropped its first two games before winning its last five in the first round. But things went awry in the second round that saw the Warriors win only once and losing their last five that allowed the Falcons to forge a playoff.
