NU Bulldogs coach Jeff Napa during a game against the FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — A frustrated National University coach Jeff Napa took the blame for the Bulldogs’ stunning loss to Far Eastern University on Sunday.
“We f*cked up. Simple as that. I expected they will come out strong, give credit to FEU… It’s my fault. At least we have to grow coming into the second round, especially our lapses in decision-making,” said Napa after the Bulldogs saw their four-game winning streak snapped after a 47-44 setback to the Tamaraws.
“We let FEU dictate whatever they did to us. Someone f*cked up, so that’s why they got the W,” he added.
The Bulldogs were held to 17-of-59 shooting from the field, including 3-of-16 from deep, and gave up 24 turnovers. No one from NU scored in double figures with Omar John leading the way with nine points, eight rebounds, and four blocks.
Steve Nash Enriquez, who played a significant role during the Bulldogs’ winning run, missed all his seven shots and only finished with a point.
FEU (2-5) also struggled mightily in offense but NU failed to stop the Tamaraws’ late rally down the stretch which was capped by L-Jay Gonzales.
“It’s a challenge for us, not just a wake-up call. I’m challenging them if they want to be a big-time player, they have to make sure that they’d commit as one, not as (individual),” Napa said. “If we want to climb up to the top or to the peak of Mt. Everest, they have to commit to become a two-way player. If they won’t be a two-way player, it’s hard for them to be recognized as one of the big boys.”
Although they are still in the upper half of the standings with a 5-2 record, Napa stressed they cannot be contented with their winning record in the first round.
“I’m not contented with the standings that we got because in the UAAP, anything is possible,” the NU coach said. “My mindset is to win as many games whatever it takes it. Look at what happened to us now, we lost to FEU. We have to move forward fast, we have to act fast if we want to regain our momentum again, then, come the second round, be ready.”
The UAAP has yet to release its schedule for the second round but Napa is already expecting to open second round against defending champion University of the Philippines, which is out to bounce back from losing their previous duel.
“It’s going to be another dogfight. Definitely, UP won’t allow us to get another win against them. We will bleed if ever we get another win against them. This game is a learning experience. We have to review again and then see what we can do. We have to be ready against UP because they are defending champions, they are number one,” he said.