In a team stacked with offensive talent, it was the quiet hustle of Jacob Bayla that made the loudest noise as the UP Fighting Maroons cruised past FEU to take over second place in UAAP Season 88.
In a team loaded with firepower, it was the quiet two-way grind of Jacob Bayla that spoke the loudest.
As UP showcased its depth in an 89-75 victory over the FEU Tamaraws, Bayla made sure to leave his fingerprints all over the floor by sparking the defending champions’ rise to solo second in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball standings.
[ALSO READ: UP flexes might for dominant repeat vs FEU, claims solo second in UAAP Season 88]
Hustl'in and Bustl'in
Despite finishing with only eight points, the former Gilas Youth member emerged as the Player of the Game after collecting six rebounds, two assists, and three steals, all while locking down FEU star Janrey Pasaol on defense.
Matched up against Bayla, Pasaol endured his worst offensive night of the season, limited to just six points on 3-of-17 shooting with five turnovers.
And while Francis Noruka (19 points), Gani Stevens (14), Rey Remogat (12), and Terrence Fortea (10) carried the scoring load, it was Bayla’s steady two-way play that tied everything together.
He posted a team-high plus-14 efficiency rating and earned high praise from head coach Goldwin Monteverde
UP's Jacob Bayla shoots over FEU's Jorick Baustista in their UAAP men's basketball second-round duel | Photo: The UAAP
“The fact that he’s being able to fulfill his role sa team and being able to play on both ends, malaking bagay ‘yun sa’min,” Monteverde said of Bayla.
“Bihira sa player ‘yung ganon, as well as making good decisions sa team," the champion coach added.
For Bayla, it was never about the numbers.
“For me, I was just to win whatever it takes,” he said.
UP, which started the season 0-2, has now won six of its last seven games — knocking on NU’s door for the top spot with a strong 6-3 record.
The Fighting Maroons will next face the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | UAAP Season 88 basketball guide, where to watch, highlights, more]
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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.