The National Bulldogs are liking what they are seeing so far in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. They have protected their undefeated run and are through to the final.
“I’m happy with the way they performed. Hopefully, it will translate to the UAAP,” head coach Jeff Napa said.
Now to get the job done
JM Galinato coolly sank three free throws with 1.2 seconds remaining as the Bulldogs held off the Adamson Falcons, 71-70, to book a title berth.
“As what coach Jeff had reminded us, we put in time and effort. That’s why when I was fouled and I saw that there was only a second left, I told myself that this is what I’ve been preparing for. Thankfully, they went in,” Galinato said in Filipino.
FEU’s Tamaraws shocked a red-hot La Salle in overtime, 71-67, on Thursday in San Juan City to end what had been a scintillating eight-game run by the Archers in the tournament.
“I told them to play each possession, compete and whatever happens, happens. Just stay close and when it comes to the clutch, let’s take opportunities and that’s what happened,” FEU coach Olsen Racela.
La Salle had been on a roll entering the match against FEU, but that hardly fazed the Tamaraws.
Xyrus Torres scored the decisive basket that put FEU on top, 69-67, with under a minute remaining in the macth.
Adamson was up by two in the dying seconds when Galinato was fouled in the act of shooting a three-pointer.
“[T]heir desire to bounce back, even when the clock is not in our favor and their dedication to playing defense is what got us through,” Napa said in Filipino.