By MARK REY MONTEJO
National University has found comfort in ending another failed Final Four bid in style after pulling off a stunning upset against the top-seeded La Salle in the UAAP.
Too late the hero may be for the Bulldogs but their surprising victory over the Green Archers as well as another 67-47 stunner against another playoff bound team UP Fighting Maroons, suggest that the brighter days are just ahead after finishing Season 87 with a 5-9 record.
And for head coach Jeff Napa, he was just glad that his wards gave their all
through ups and downs.
“So happy sa mga players talaga, binigay nila ‘yong best nila up to the last game,” said Napa. “Definitely and hopefully maging healthy kami for next year para at least maging mas maganda ‘yong performance ng lahat.”
“Although nagkaroon ng advertisities ngayon, I’m still happy pa rin ako sa ginawang performance nila. Ginawa nila ‘yong part nila and sinubukan nilang i-raise ang bar,” he added.
After winning only twice in their first 10 games, the Bulldogs somehow figured things out and won three of their last four games, largely behind a solid defense and balanced offense that toppled even the league’s best teams – first against UP and the top-seeded La Salle.
“Despite nga sa lahat ng nangyari. Sobrang naging proud ako sa kanilang lahat, sa lahat ng ginawa nila,” Napa continued.
Making NU’s final two games into success was PJ Palacielo, who still has a couple of years to play for the Bulldogs. He has embraced the role of being the go-to-guy, highlighted by his 16-point and 8-rebound output against reigning champion La Salle.
“Hindi kami nakapasok ng final four ngayon, pero nakita ko naman ngayong buong season kung dami namin talagang struggling kami yung season,” said Palacielo. “Ayun nga, masaya din ako kasi, ayun, pero yung remaining games namin yung second round.”
NU missed the services of its foreign student-athlete Mo Diassana after sustaining a left knee injury barely four minutes into the season.
Good thing for the Bulldogs as rising star in Vince Reyes would be able to play alongside boys’ MVP Collins Akowe, Migs Palanca and Jed Solomon next year.
With veterans Patrick Yu and Donn Lim completing their duties, Napa stressed that he will be relying on the leadership of his core players in Steve Nash Enriquez, Jake Figueroa, Jolo Manansala and Palacielo.
“Talagang inaantay ko na lang matapos yung high school para makapaglaro sila sa Bulldogs,” Napa continued.
“Given na ‘yon si Collins (Akowe), it’s up to us [kasi] local pa rin ‘yong hinahanap namin ‘eh na magsu-support sa mga nandito ngayon,” added Napa.
