UAAP: Jake Figueroa’s tireless effort for NU impresses coach Jeff Napa

NU’s Jake Figueroa. –UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Patrick Yu may have been the player to bail out National University in its win against La Salle in overtime, 80-77, but it was Jake Figueroa’s endurance that pushed the Bulldogs to a winnable situation.

Playing in over 37 minutes of action, Figueroa nearly had no breather in the thrilling affair, earning the praise of coach Jeff Napa.

“I can’t say anything about this kid. 37 minutes inside and he just tells me he’ll take a rest for one minute and he’ll go back to the game so I give credit to him. It’s a good win for us but we need to shift our focus to UE on Wednesday right away,” said the top coach.

His tireless act also came as a shock for Figueroa himself, who finished with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three assists and two steals.

“I don’t know what I ate earlier because I played for 37 minutes. I’m thankful for my teammates because they didn’t stop helping me until the buzzer sounded. I just really stuck to the role given to me that’s why we won,” explained the forward.

While his numbers were impressive on their own, Figueroa also made a huge play to give the Bulldogs more breathing room in overtime.

FIGUERO-WOW.

NU’s Jale Figueroa sinks a huge triple to tie the game at 67-all against La Salle.

12.5 seconds remain. Archers ball. #UAAPSeason86 | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/Pp5BVBXfBr

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 15, 2023

The Green Archers led, 67-64, in regulation before Figueroa found his footing in the corner for a game-tying triple with 12 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

That corner shot was all too familiar for Napa, as it was the same shot that Figueroa has hit consistently during the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.

Now that it’s materializing in the UAAP’s regular season, Figueroa joked that it was just luck.

“That was just a lucky shot,” he said in jest. “But yes, there was no time left so I gave myself the confidence and the trust to take that shot.”

Figueroa and the Bulldogs look to improve on their 4-1 record when they face University of the East on Wednesday.