If NU hopes to get back on track, the Bulldogs will have to hurdle the Ateneo Blue Eagles once more in their second-round clash in UAAP Season 88.
After a rare stumble to open the second round, NU is determined to bounce back fast when it locks horns with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Tip off is at 1:30 p.m.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | UAAP Season 88 basketball guide, where to watch, highlights, more]
The Bulldogs sit atop the standings at 6-2, but the rest of the pack remains close behind.
Their 78-74 loss to defending champion UP ended a three-game winning streak and marked the second time NU has fallen to the Fighting Maroons this season.
Head coach Jeff Napa and his wards trailed by as many as 18 points in the first quarter before mounting a late charge that fell short.
Jake Figueroa anchored the Bulldogs with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Paul Francisco chipped in 13 and PJ Palacielo added 11.
Now back to the drawing board, the Bulldogs will look to repeat their 71-66 overtime win over Ateneo just eight days ago and keep their distance from the rest of the Final Four contenders.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]