Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
In a game where they needed to be at their best, the National University Bulldogs were at their worst.
NU’s season was on the line Sunday and against the top team in the league in University of Santo Tomas, the Bulldogs shot themselves on the foot with poor shooting and sloppy play.
“What a time to play our worst game,” said NU head coach Eric Altamirano after the fourth-ranked Bulldogs failed to replicate their Cinderella run last season. “We felt that we did not get it done on both ends.”
NU shot a woeful 27% from the field with its star guard Gelo Alolino hitting only one basket out of 17 attempts.
The Bulldogs’ defense wasn’t any better especially at the start of the game where it allowed the Growling Tigers to zoom to a 15-2 lead.
“I was shocked, I was surprised to see them play like that. Add to that UST playing good defense,” Altamirano said.
Overall, Altamirano was pleased with how his team played throughout the season.
NU opened its season losing its first three games before going on a resurgence late to finish with a 7-7 card, enough to earn the last Final Four slot.
“Nevertheless, I’m proud of the boys. All season, there was never a lack of effort. There was always will to win.”