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| With stamina playing a factor due to a busy schedule, Coach Franz Pumaren had to monitor Papi Sarr's minutes. (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
SAN JUAN, MM--Adamson nailed the last seat in the quarterfinals of the FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup with a nail-biter win against UE on Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
[Related Story: Franz prevails over Derrick, Dindo in "Pumaren Derby" as Adamson ousts UE to claim last FilOil playoff spot]
However, the win may pose a dilemma for the Soaring Falcons as they now have to play back-to-back quarterfinal games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"What's funny is that we play [on] Tuesday, then [on] Wednesday we play in another tournament. It's also the quarterfinals there," Pumaren said to a group of sportswriters after the game.
Also, Pumaren admitted that the hectic schedule has taken the toll to center Papi Sarr, who had a monstrous start only to waver in the end.
"Every now and then, I have to pull him out because we're not that in great shape right now. We're not yet in the 100 percent basketball level, so I have to pace him. In the end, he faded because he's tired. It's our third game in four days," the gaffer explained Sarr's limited playing time in the latter parts of the game. Sarr still finished with 17 points and 18 rebounds.
Adamson actually played back-to-back games on Thursday, romping CEU-A in the Fr. Martin's Cup before bowing to San Beda in the FilOil Cup later in the day. They got a two-day rest before swinging back to action against UE.
[Related Story: San Beda barges to FilOil quarterfinals by subduing Adamson]
Still, Pumaren believes the busy schedule will bear fruit for the Falcons.
"It's a challenge on our part. It's gonna be a mental preparation for us. We have to rise to that kind of challenge," he further said.
Meanwhile, one of the players who stepped up for the Falcons while Sarr was sitting down was Sean Manganti, who finished with five points and eight rebounds.
"I think he's the best athlete in my team right now. Slowly, he's adapting to what we're asking him to do," Pumaren said of Manganti.
Up next for Adamson in the FilOil quarterfinals on Tuesday at the said venue is NU, who subdued Arellano earlier Sunday for the top seed in Group A.
[Related Story: NU takes top seed in Group A with squeaker against Arellano]
Curiously, however, Pumaren revealed, "What's so funny? We play NU on Tuesday. We play Arellano on Wednesday."
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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