In this file photo, NU’s Rev Diputado tries to get past La Salle’s Thomas Torres. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Motivated to end the skid, National University backcourt of Jay Alejandro and Rev Diputado showed their worth on Sunday, to help the Bulldogs turn back University of Santo Tomas.
Scoreless in NU’s 64-51 loss to Adamson last Wednesday, the duo were hellbent to bounce back and repay coach Eric Altamirano’s trust.
Alejandro led the offensive attack, topping NU with 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists in 26 minutes of action.
Diputado, meanwhile, did the dirty work and wound up with eight markers, five boards, six dimes, and two steals in 25 minutes.
“Kami ni Rev, wala kaming na-contribute last game kaya sabi ni coach, we need to bounce back. Pinakita lang talaga namin,” said the 21-year-old Alejandro.
Losing to La Salle and Adamson really put a dent on NU’s campaign this season, and both guards acknowledge the gravity of their situation going to Sunday’s duel against the Growling Tigers.
“Napaka-imporante ng game kanina kasi back-to-back losses na kami,” said the third-year Diputado. “Siguro natutunan namin in our past games, yung aggressiveness. Kaya ganun ang ginawa namin, umatake kami at more passes lang.”
That wasn’t more true when UST clawed back from 25-points down and trimmed the lead to as low as seven, 71-64 with 1:11 left to play.
Fortunately for NU, the Bulldogs established enough cushion to weather the storm and escape with the win.
“Buti na lang may pondo kami nung first half,” said Alejandro. “We have to work on finishing strong kasi passive kami nung fourth.”
“Yun ang kailangan naming i-improve as a team. The past four games, doon talaga kami nagkukulang.”
NU takes on UP next Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.