UAAP: Adamson’s Nash Racela mum on Jerom Lastimosa’s latest injury

Adamson Falcons’ Jerom Lastimosa in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

MANILA, Philippines — Adamson coach  Nash Racela refused to answer questions about Jerom Lastimosa, who suffered another knee injury in his return on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.

After missing the whole first round, Lastimosa returned to action and scored three points. However, he got hurt after his knee collided with Gerry Abadiano’s midway through the third quarter in their blowout 77-51 loss to University of the Philippines.

Lastimosa got carried off the court by his teammate Jed Colonia and never returned to the game.

When asked about his star player’s condition,  Racela said in the post-game that he would only answer “right questions.”

“That’s one question I will not answer,” he told reporters.

Jerom Lastimosa limps out of the court. – UAAP Media

Adamson has not released any updates on Lastimosa’s injury as of posting.

The Soaring Falcons absorbed their third straight loss and dropped to 3-5, but Racela stressed they just have to do their job with the players they have right now as two of their past three losses were winnable. 

“We just have to do our part, do things correctly because we could’ve been 5-2 despite our lineup and knowing how strong other teams are. We could’ve been 5-2, if we won our [last] two games [in the first round],” said Racela. “I’m hoping the second round will be different. We hope we can duplicate the wins and will be able to get the close games. We really have to take it a game at a time.”

Adamson, which is tied with Far Eastern University, is not far behind solo No.4 Ateneo (4-4)  and that fact is not lost on Racela–especially after his team’s impressive Final Four run last season.

“That’s the crazy thing about this season. Despite our record of 3-5, we’re just a game behind the fourth team. It’s reachable, it’s doable. So I told the player after, this morning I got a notification, a Facebook memory a year ago, our record after the first round, Adamson was 3-4, similar to this year,” said Racela. “Last year, we made it, we made the run, so maybe it’s just a simple reminder and it’s doable even if you count this game.”

As the Falcons try to end their losing streak, the Adamson coach reminds his team to be wary of L-Jay Gonzales, who recently hit the game-winner against Ateneo, when they battle the Tamaraws on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“He’s really a closer. FEU is blessed to have him. That game is also important if we want to advance. It starts on Sunday. Hopefully, we will do our part,” Racela said.