Mixed emotions for FEU coach Olsen after beating Adamson, brother Nash (Sabong News)
Author
Carlo Anolin
Date
APRIL 08 2022
Olsen Racela admitted having mixed emotions after
in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Thursday night, April 7.
Things went well for the Morayta-based squad as the Tamaraws won back-to-back games after a tumultuous start and improve to a 3-3 record.
But it was a different story for the Soaring Falcons, coached by his brother Nash, after falling down to seventh place with a 1-5 slate.
Olsen, however, could not help but feel a bit sentimental about his brother’s tough loss.
“Well, first of all mixed emotions for me,” said the older Racela. “I’m happy with the win but you know, when the final buzzer sounded and we were up and nanalo kami, walking to other side nakita ko ‘yong kapatid ko.
“So medyo mixed emotions but you know, one team had to win and one team had to lose. Ganon talaga,” added Olsen, who replaced Nash as FEU head coach after winning the UAAP title in Season 78 against University of Santo Tomas.
Though aware of each other’s familiarity, Olsen said the Tamaraws just maintained their system and it came into fruition as the likes of RJ Abarrientos, Xyrus Torres, and Ljay Gonzales delivered down the stretch.
Torres made key plays in FEU’s 9-0 run before Abarrientos sealed the deal with a game-winning triple.
“Doon sa pinagdaaan naming in the past games, madali na mag-give up but they’ve showed that brave spirit na hinahanap natin from these FEU players kaya nakalusot kami,” added the PBA legend.
Nash, for his part, was graceful in defeat and said playing against each other simply brought out the best in them.
The older Racela got the win this time but Nash and Adamson will try to bounce back in the second round of elimination.
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