National University lost steam in the third quarter but recovered to take down its second straight foe in Far Eastern U in UAAP men's basketball.
National University wanted to stay aggressive once it emerged from the dugout after the break.
But this reminder fell on deaf ears as the Bulldogs came out flat instead, squandering a 44-30 advantage against the surging Tamaraws, who tied the count at 44-all midway in the third.
But with the right adjustments, NU went on to secure an 84-68 victory — its second in as many games — to become early co-leaders with Ateneo in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Saturday, Sept. 27.
[RELATED STORY: NU Bulldogs fend off FEU Tamaraws' 3rd quarter charge for 2-0 start in UAAP]
“Noong halftime, ni-remind [ko ang team] na we need to stay aggressive. Pero noong lumabas kami, naging flat kami," said Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa.
"Nawala 'yong aggression on defense. That’s why nakakuha ng momentum 'yong FEU. So I need to reshuffle right away para makakuha ng right combination. Good thing 'yong ni-reshuffle kong players, nag-step up,” he added.
“Good thing ‘yung ni-reshuffle ko na players nag step up,” he added.
NU coach Jeff Napa | Photo: UAAP
NU Bulldogs bite back in fourth period
NU somehow righted the ship at the end of the third as it went ahead, 55-52, at the end of the frame.
But the Bulldogs delivered the biggest blow in the fourth, with Jolo Manansala sparking a strong 8-1 burst to stretch their lead to double digits, 63-53, at the eight-minute mark.
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Janrey Pasaol tried to will the Tamaraws back to life to no avail.
Omar John topscored with 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting while also hauling down nine rebounds for a near double-double for NU. He also had two steals and one block
Manansala registered 13 points, nine boards, two assists, a steal and a block, while Jake Figueroa also added 13 markers he laced with seven boards, five assists, a steal and a block.
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The Bulldogs aim to make it three in a row against University of Santo Tomas at the latter's home turf in the Quadricentennial Pavilion Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Meanwhile, the Tamaraws gun to check a 0-2 slide against La Salle in the next match.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team and mixed martial arts.