Adamson's Pumaren expects a ‘classic’ do-or-die game against UP

For Adamson head coach Franz Pumaren, a "classic" game loomed as both the Adamson Soaring Falcons and UP Fighting Maroons were both out to make history.

After UP's win over Adamson in their Final Four face-off Saturday, they the two teams would again meet on Wednesday to determine who would make it to the UAAP Season 81 Finals.

Adamson, of course, holds the twice-to-beat advantage after ending the elimination round in second place with a 10-4 record.

"Both teams are gunning for history. [For] us making [it] the finals, same with UP. It's gonna be a fun game. A classic game," Pumaren said.

Both the squads from San Marcelino and Diliman have not made it to the UAAP Finals since the Final Four format was instituted back in 1993. 

Pumaren also admitted they had mental lapses down the stretch in their defeat against UP, but there really was  no reason for the Falcons to panic.

"We're in this situation, that's why it's an advantage on our part, working the whole season for this position (twice-to-beat advantage)," the multi-titled mentor said.

"We played bad, we were down the whole game but when we started playing the right system, we were able to get back the lead."

Sean Manganti, who chipped in 15 points for the Falcons, gave credit to their opponents as well.

"They came out strong, they had a great game, they made some clutch baskets. You gotta give it up to them."

Jerrick Ahanmisi, who made it to the Mythical Five this season said, "We didn't wanna lose but we just gotta move on, get ready for Wednesday and make sure that we get to win so we go to the Finals."

This was Adamson's first loss against UP this season. In their previous match-ups in the elimination round, the Falcons had the upper hand, 69-68 during the first round and 80-72 during the second round. — DVM, GMA News