Falcons flying high

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER

Adamson coach Franz Pumaren began UAAP Season 79 with modest goals for his young, rookie-laden squad.

But with the Falcons growing in confidence as the elimination round heads into its final stretch, Pumaren is setting the bar higher for his team that looked more lethal than ever last night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With Papi Sarr throwing his weight around early, the Falcons picked apart the National U Bulldogs, 77-53, for their fourth straight victory that also kept them alive in the race for the second twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four at 8-5.

“We needed that win,” said Pumaren. “We’re aiming to at least get a tie and get a shot at gaining that twice to beat advantage.”

The Falcons face the Eagles on Wednesday with an Adamson victory setting up a playoff between the two teams. La Salle already clinched the first twice-to-beat bonus with a 13-1 card.

Pumaren’s older brother Derrick also triumphed as his University of the East Warriors turned back the University of the Philippines Maroons, 80-67, to improve to 3-10.

“We really played to our full potential today, and even though UP made a run late we kept our poise,” said UE coach Derrick Pumaren.