There is no reason to celebrate for NU head coach Jeff Napa even as his team secured the first slot in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
The NU Bulldogs were solemn even after they secured the first slot in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Final Four with a 66-65 escape of the Adamson Soaring Falcons Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
NU improved to 9-2 and is already assured of a spot in the semifinals.
[RELATED: UAAP: NU clinches Final Four spot with gutsy win over Adamson]
But head coach Jeff Napa was not too happy with how his team performed, especially as late-game mishaps could’ve cost the Bulldogs the game and their spot on top of the standings.
Taking a page from TNT Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes, Napa said that he felt like his team was on the losing end of the game.
“Hihiramin ko yung sinabi ni coach Chot kagabi [in the PBA], alam mo yung panalo ka pero pakiramdam mo natalo ka. Kasi, yung Adamson talagang binigay nila yung best nila. So they came out prepared, they came out ready,” said Napa.
“Siguro yung basketball gods lang talaga binless kami parin despite na we played a bad game.”
Napa rued late game miscues, including turnovers and two missed free throws from Steve Nash Enriquez that held the door ajar for a last-second game-winner from Adamson.
Already known for their comebacks against big leads in the fourth quarter, the Soaring Falcons were threatening to deny NU their outright semis berth when Matty Erolon was at the charity stripe with 15 ticks left.
Erolon could’ve made it a two-possession lead for Adamson, who, before his free throws was ahead by two, 65-63.
Fortunately for NU, Erolon missed both his freebies which led to Jake Figueroa finding Mark Parks at the other end for the game-winning and-one play.
Despite some wild sequences, the score stayed the same to finish the game. But it didn’t bode well for Napa, who is seeking more from his players.
Carving a name of his own
A bright spot for NU despite the frustrating end was the breakout game for Mark Parks — brother of former UAAP MVP and NU stalwart Ray Parks Jr.
For Napa, it was a welcome development to see his third-year player finally burst out of his shell.
“I’m thankful kay Mark na-shoot niya yung two points plus and-one. At least, yung tinatrabaho ni Mark, unti-unti, nare-recognize. I’m for happy him, kumbaga for our team, pero hindi ako natuwa sa game na ‘to,” said Napa.
Parks was the second leading scorer for NU with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting. He also had three rebounds, one assist, and two steals.
Jake Figueroa, who struggled in the first three quarters, recovered his spark in the fourth to lead NU in scoring with 13 points to go along with his four rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Matthew Montebon, who missed on the potential game-winning triple at the final possession, paced Adamson in the losing effort with 20 points.
Adamson fell to a 5-6 record with the loss.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer 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.