NU Bulldogs coach Jeff Napa during the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball game at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – The National University Bulldogs didn’t mind how poor their season was and decided to focus on putting together a strong finish for the rest of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
The mindset instilled by coach Jeff Napa worked wonders for the Bulldogs as they shocked the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 67-47, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.
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“We are in this situation and there is nothing we can do; We are short-handed, but we still compete. I told them: let’s finish this season strong – that’s our mindset at the moment, as long as we do things right the results will follow. I’m not focused on whether we make it to the Final Four or not; I just ask them to finish the season well,” Napa said.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 Basketball
“I don’t want to put any more pressure on getting to the Final Four. At least our shooters finally caught up and implemented our defensive game plan correctly.”
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Napa credited their Bulldogs for everything in their win, but Pat Yu, who scored 12 of his game-high 17 points in the second half, deflected the praise to their coaches.
Patrick Yu of the NU Bulldogs during the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball game at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. –UAAP PHOTO
“The coach said the player is the star, but that’s really thanks to the coaches. “They worked hard and stayed up late to prepare us and boost our morale for the win,” said Yu, who shot 5 of 7 from the three-point line.
“Coach Jeff told us to just have fun and not worry about the pressure of getting to the Final Four. I am very grateful to him because even though I have struggled all season, he still believes in me.”
READ: UAAP: NU halts slide, worsening Ateneo’s woes
Jake Figueroa, who had 11 points, six rebounds and four assists, believes the week-long Halloween break helped them regroup and rediscover their winning streak as they improved to seventh place with a record of 3-8 – with a slim chance of entering the World Cup Final Four.
“Our week-long preparation with the coach was very strict. Luckily we got this victory and even in training the coach shouted at you for every little mistake. As veterans, our mindset is to take good care of the newcomers and they did what we asked,” Figueroa said.
As its Final Four chances dwindle, Napa is pushing its charges to stick with the same mindset: play without pressure and finish strong.
“Whatever the Lord has given us, we are already blessed with it. I will not use the loss of our importance as an excuse. I’ve never used it as an excuse – that’s why I still push them hard because I know what they’re capable of. We will continue to fight until the end of this season,” said the NU coach.
Looking to capitalize on their big win, NU will face UST on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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“UST is a very dangerous team; They’re up there. We want to finish this season strong to show people that despite everything that has happened, we are still here and ready to compete,” he said.