When head coach Jeff Napa challenged his team to rally behind leader Jake Figueroa, Reinhard Jumamoy and Steve Nash Enriquez responded in style—powering NU to another statement victory over Ateneo in UAAP Season 88.
While Jake Figueroa remains the steady heartbeat of the NU Bulldogs this UAAP Season 88, it was head coach Jeff Napa’s backcourt lieutenants who finally lit the fire he’d been waiting for so long.
The returning Reinhard Jumamoy and Steve Nash Enriquez helped National U lean on a blistering second-half rally, resulting in a commanding 66-50 win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in their second-round showdown.
[ALSO READ: NU overcomes Gelo Santiago’s ejection, hands Ateneo fifth straight loss in UAAP Season 88]
While the duo combined for just 16 points in the low-scoring affair, they were perfect complements to Figueroa’s stellar double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds.
NU's Steve Nash Enriquez in action against Ateneo in the UAAP men's basketball | Photo: The UAAP
Down 40-32 midway through the third quarter, the Bulldogs flipped the switch — unleashing a ferocious 25-4 run to take a 57-44 lead with just under four minutes remaining.
Enriquez set the tone with a pair of back-to-back triples, while Jumamoy — fresh from a shoulder contusion — chipped in with strong two-way play.
Kymani Ladi poured 12 points to pace the Blue Eagles, but Ateneo took its fifth straight loss after opening the season with an impressive 4-0 slate.
"Others" of the pack
It was NU’s second win over Ateneo this season, with the first coming by way of a gutsy 71-66 overtime squeaker just eight days ago.
But more importantly, the victory helped the Bulldogs to tighten their of first place with a 7-2 mark, bouncing back after a stinging 78-74 loss defending champion UP last Wednesday.
“Nag-respond sila sa nangyari sa amin sa UP,” NU head coach Jeff Napa said.
He added: “Even though we were down, our guys stayed composed and sharp. Pinakita nila ‘yung leadership nila. Given that Jake Figueroa leads us, I told them I needed someone else to step up in leadership to stabilize things on the court.”
With renewed confidence and chemistry, the Bulldogs now set their sights on their next test — a fiery showdown against the streaking DLSU Green Archers (5-3) on Sunday, November 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.