Falcons eye another Final Four stint

MANILA, Philippines - Adamson plays a couple of tune-up games against Bacolod’s leading squads as it primes up for the UAAP basketball season where it hopes to reach the Final Four for the third straight time.

“It’s nice to have tune-up games against two respected teams from Bacolod,” said Leo Austria. “We need to focus on our mental toughness and build a strong character.”

The Falcons were to play many-time NOPSSCEA champion West Negros University last night before taking on University of St. La Salle today.

Their stint in Bacolod was made possible through the support of long-time backer Freego Jeans, Acer Philippines through Adamson University Alumni Association Inc. president Manny Wong, Metro Stonerich Construction Corporation through Ibrahim Nuno and Gilbert Cruz.

Despite losing Lester Alvarez, Jerick Canada and Jan Colina to graduation, Austria expressed confidence of advancing to the semis again. Austria will have former PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes as assistant.

Expected to carry the load for the Falcons are last year’s Mythical Five member Alex Nuyles, power forward Eric Camson and vastly improved center Rodney Brondial.

Point guard Ryan Monteclaro and rookie Jericho Cruz are expected to gain much exposure this year following the exit of Alvarez and Canada.

The Falcons, out to redeem themselves from their Final Four loss to the FEU Tams, open their season on July 15 against defending champion Ateneo at the brand-new Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Adamson was the same team that denied Ateneo’s quest for a sweep of last year’s elimination round campaign.

The team also snapped its 27-game losing streak against the Eagles in that same contest.