Adamson’s Papi Sarr posts up Ateneo’s Isaac Go. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon
Nothing was going to stop Papi Sarr from delivering in the clutch for Adamson University against defending champion Ateneo in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament.
Sarr just hit one of the biggest shots of the year this early in the season as his putback helped the Falcons stun the Blue Eagles, 74-70, Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“I missed some shots, but I thought to myself that if I get this rebound I won’t miss this chance so I went straight to the basket,” said Sarr, who finished with eight points on 4-of-13 shooting and nine rebounds, five of which were off the offensive glass.
Sarr’s clutch follow-up came off Sean Manganti’s missed 3-pointer in transition that gave his team a 72-70 edge with 39.4 ticks to go.
“If I missed that chance that might’ve been a problem for the team but I knew I will go for the rebound and go straight for the basket.”
Sarr’s box out, though, almost looked like a foul after he appeared to have pulled down Go. But with the game in such a crucial situation, the referees seemed to have just decided to let the players play with no whistle blown.
And Sarr knows he couldn’t have thrived in the clutch shot if not for his coaches who continued to push him no mater what.
“You did a great job coach,” Sarr said, addressing Falcons head coach Franz Pumaren. “He’s pushing me so hard in this game.”