Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
It wasn’t the ending Robbie Manalang envisioned for himself in his last game for Adamson.
The Soaring Falcons lost to De La Salle, 82-75, in the Final Four to end their campaign in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament Saturday in a game that would forever sting Manalang.
“I thought we were going to go all the way,” said Manalang Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “Since day one I believed that, but that’s life. Sometimes things don’t go your way.”
Adamson held a 63-54 lead heading into the final 10 minutes of the game but the Green Archers found their rhythm in the fourth period just as the Soaring Falcons faltered.
La Salle outscored Adamson 28-12 in the final period to claim one of the spots in the championship round.
“Being my last game, I didn’t care if I make mistakes, I’m just playing as hard as I can, trying to help the team the way I can,” said Manalang. “I just tried to do the best of my ability but we came up short.”
Manalang had 16 points and four assists in his career-ender as he gave it all he can to help Adamson get over the semifinals hump.
“Obviously it’s a tough loss, it was heartbreaking for me since this is my last game as a Falcon but I am extremely proud of my teammates,” said Manalang who played just two seasons in the UAAP, with both years ending in semifinal exits.
“To the coaching staff, they taught me so much on being a point guard and being a man. I’m just very lucky and very blessed to be part of this. It’s sad that it has come to an end but I know these guys will be back next year so I’ll be cheering them on.”