NU Bulldogs’ Jolo Manansala. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Jolo Manansala and Michael Malonzo showed the Kapampangan way of basketball as they emerged as heroes for National University in ending a six-year losing streak to Ateneo on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.
Manansala was a revelation for the Bulldogs as he delivered 17 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks, including the clutch basket that gave the Bulldogs a precarious 74-72 lead with 38.3 seconds remaining.
Malonzo, on the other hand, made the crucial stops as he blocked Dave Ildefonso’s game-tying layup and forced a turnover from BJ Andrade’s inbound pass to Kai Ballungay. Patrick Yu then sank his free throws to seal their 78-74 victory to end a 10-game skid to Ateneo dating back to UAAP Season 79 last Sept. 11, 2016.
Manansala, a recruit from Bacolor, Pampanga, said he just wanted to make the most of the extended playing time and repay the trust of coach Jeff Napa.
“I just enjoyed the game. I didn’t look for points. I focused more on giving my team the hustle plays,” said Manansala in Filipino. “I’m always ready whenever coach decides to sub me in, regardless of how many minutes I play. To the point that I felt tired in the game but coach still trusted me. I’m thankful for that, it builds my confidence.”
NU Bulldogs celebrate win over Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
The sophomore forward hopes to be an inspiration for other aspiring players from Pampanga.
“I want to be an inspiration to the kids in Pampanga, especially the players of Governor Delta Pineda, who are dreaming to play someday in Manila,” Manansala said.
Malonzo, a fourth year player from Mexico, Pampanga, wanted to lead by example to his younger teammates.
“For me, I just wanted to help my team. Me, Robert (Minerva), and John Lloyd (Clemente), we have to guide our younger players for them to fit in our system,” said Malonzo, who finished with seven points, four rebounds, and two steals.
“I’m just doing my job, the role given to me by coach Jeff, to help our team,” he added.
Napa lauded Manansala and Malonzo for imposing themselves against a strong team like Ateneo.
“Mike and Jolo imposed themselves. These two Kapampangans introduced themselves,” the NU coach said.