NU Head coach Eric Altamirano. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Just last month, National University was making its case as a Final Four contender. But it didn’t take long for the Bulldogs’ fortunes to make a turn for the worse.
From 4-2, NU fell out of the Final Four picture with a six-game losing skid and at that point, the Bulldogs were just not the same team they’re used to be.
“Just like any other young team, you lose your confidence and you start losing your identity,” said NU head coach Eric Altamirano.
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“Nagkakainitan na kami kasi sobrang competitive ng practice namin and lahat mainit na ulo, coaches and players,” said captain Jay Alejandro. “Yung one week parang one year sa amin. Sobrang haba.”
On Saturday, NU found respite and a glimmer of hope following a 64-52 win over also-ran University of the East in a game where the Bulldogs regained their old form.
Ever since Altamirano took over, the Bulldogs have earned the reputation as a defensive-oriented team. For a long stretch this season, they have not been able to show their identity until their victory over the Red Warriors.
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With its vaunted defense back, NU held UE to just seven points in the fourth quarter and a 29% shooting from the field overall.
The last few weeks have been the most difficult for the Bulldogs but for Alejandro, the adversities also helped the team to grow.
“At least now alam na namin yung feeling na ganito. Hopefully, sana next game, final four or next season alam na namin paano bumalik sa ganito.”