MANILA, Philippines – Even with the disadvantage, Lastimosa seems unfazed by Adamson’s chances. After playing a key role in Adamson’s 80 to 76 victory over La Salle on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Lastimosa was asked what he was most looking forward to in the Final Four. He responded, “Matalo [Ateneo] ng magkasunod (to beat Ateneo twice)”.

The Blue Eagles will attempt to end it on Wednesday at 6 p.m., but coach Nash Racela wants Lastimosa and the Falcons to just concentrate on winning one game first. Araneta Coliseum, where.

It begins with one. Racela responded in Filipino, “Win one first. “We are aware of their tenacity as a unit. However, as you are aware, nothing in this world is impossibly difficult. When we look at our current run, we were either sixth or seventh in the standings, down, a month ago. We unexpectedly made a run, which surprised a lot of people, and as a result, we are currently in the Final Four.

In the same way that they believed in themselves when they were written off as Final Four possibilities in the preseason, Racela wants his squad to demonstrate that it is possible to defeat a dominant Ateneo club.

“We have the mindset that nothing is unachievable. In our runs, we are aware of that. As long as we each do our share, we can win. We’ll get right to work once we get home,” he remarked. “Everyone did not really expect us to reach this far into the final four; they were thinking it would be big boys, big spenders, or whatever you want to call them. They are all major spenders in my opinion. I’m content, nevertheless, that everyone on the team contributed to our current circumstance.”

The previous time Adamson reached the Final Four, Lastimosa was still a rookie. On November 28, 2018, despite having a twice-to-beat edge, he lost against University of the Philippines in overtime, 89 to 87, despite making clutch baskets during the game that could have made the difference.

This time, however, promises to be a different tale for the flashy combo guard, and he is anxious to pen a better conclusion as the Falcons’ star player.

When asked about their previous Final Four appearance, where Lastimosa was still playing in the background behind Sean Manganti, Jerrick Ahanmisi, and Papi Sarr, he responded, “Let’s not speak about it because it’s already in the past.

“I accept responsibility this time, and I’m going to seize the chance. My goal as a leader is to direct my team.” 

Against La Salle, he actually accomplished just that.

The 5-foot-10 Lastimosa kept his team afloat by scoring 11 straight points in the third quarter, and in the fourth, he did the right thing by passing to his teammates, who then made critical baskets. He had 22 points and 6 rebounds at the end.

Even though Lastimosa said he was already sidelined for the rest of the season due to a right foot injury, he continued to play despite the pain and returned to lead his team.

He admitted, “I’m not really 100%, but I make sacrifices simply to get to the final four. “Now that we have arrived. Utilizing this chance, we will concentrate on the upcoming match. Both Ateneo’s offense and defense will be thoroughly studied.