This time, NU head coach Jeff Napa was happy on how his team got the win against the FEU Tamaraws in the second round of UAAP Season 88.
The NU Bulldogs are on a roll, having won their last four games in the second round of UAAP Season 88, leading to a league-best 10-2 record.
But head coach Jeff Napa hasn’t always been thrilled at how his Bulldogs played — especially in their 66-65 escape act of the Adamson Soaring Falcons in their last game.
Against FEU, whom they beat 70-64 in front of a predominant NU crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday night, Napa was a little more relaxed and happy with how things transpired, more so in the endgame where they denied the Tams a comeback effort.
[RELATED: UAAP: NU delights with gutsy win over FEU to clinch playoff for twice-to-beat]
“Actually, nag-respond naman 'yung players,” Napa said after making some tough comments during their last game.
“I know naman na FEU, hindi basta-basta bibigay 'yun. But, our game plan, nasunod naman.”
Despite leading by as many as 11 points, 34-23, in the first half, NU needed to dig deep against a desperate FEU squad that is searching for momentum in the hopes of making it into the Final Four in a tight race at the midfield.
With an 8-0 start to the fourth, FEU found themselves ahead of NU, 56-53, thanks to crucial makes from the corner triple courtesy of Jayden Jones and Niel Owens.
But NU wasn’t about to be denied, especially with thousands of fans in attendance.
Playoff atmosphere
Napa was quick to thank the NU supporters for helping the Bulldogs through the gutsy win, with fans helping with some missed free throws on the side of FEU as well.
More than just moral support, Napa believes that the presence of fans — especially on a weekday game — helps in their preparation for the playoffs. Already assured of the Final Four and at least a playoff for the twice-to-beat advantage, NU will hope for every strength it can get.
With their sixth man in the stands, Napa believes his boys can toughen up for the big boys.
“Actually, hindi ko lang na-expect 'yung ganong karaming crowd ngayon. So, at least, nasasanay na sila, kumbaga, 'yung mga players namin na maglaro sa ganong crowd. Ulit, to showcase their talent, kumbaga. So, hopefully, maging consistent kami,” he said.
“Pero, ayun nga. There's no need to celebrate. Kasi, wala pa naman kami napapatunayan,” he continued.
The NU Bulldogs received the warm support of their fans at the Mall of Asia Arena. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
Among those that shined in front of the rowdy NU crowd was Jake Figueroa, who finished with a game-high 17 points. He also drilled the dagger triple with 1:13 left in the ballgame. Figueroa also had six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block.
PJ Palacielo added 10 points, four boards, two assists, and a steal while Jolo Manansala played his best game of the season with eight points and nine boards.
FEU, meanwhile, was paced by Janrey Pasaol with 15 points in the losing effort.
Now, NU prepares for a nothing-to-lose team in UE in their next game — its penultimate match of the elimination round — on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
FEU, for its part, faces La Salle in their next assignment on Sunday, November 16, also at the Big Dome.
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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.