Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Showing its mental toughness, National University took down its UAAP rival Far Eastern University, 75-59, in the 10th Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup Saturday at San Juan Arena.
It was the Bulldog bench that came out of the doghouse with fangs bared as the supporting cast outscored NU’s starting five, 41-30.
Bulldogs head coach Eric Altamirano said he wanted to toughen his players up mentally and not give up leads, like what they did in their 70-65 win over San Sebastian.
“That was the message, test ourselves and how to respond to the challenge,” said Altamirano whose team now holds a 3-1 record. “Mentally toughen? Yes, and we used the bench a lot for this game, I’m happy everyone responded this game.”
NU did not let up, and despite holding a commanding 41-22 lead after the first half, the Bulldogs followed it up with an even better third quarter as they led 61-37 at the end of the period.
JV Gallego came off the bench to lead NU with 15 points while Chino Mosqueda added 13.
Steve Holmqvist led the Tamaraws (1-3) with 13 points while Richard Escoto added 10.