La Salle Green Archers’ Doy Dungo (left) in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Doy Dungo made the most of his opportunity with a perfect 5-of-5 three-point shooting night in La Salle’s dominant 82-52 win over Adamson in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Dungo, who struggled in his debut against National University three days ago, had an early breakout game in his freshman year with 15 points only missing one two-point shot in 14:38 minutes of playing time as the Green Archers stayed unbeaten at 2-0.
The rookie out of the University of Santo Tomas High School said he just embraced coach Topex Robinson’s order to contribute when he fields a player inside the court.
“Coach always tells me that if I’m open, I should just take the shot and have confidence in every move I make,” said Dungo.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball
“The goal I set for myself as a rookie is to help the team win back-to-back championships. Every game, we’ll really work hard to achieve good results,” he added.2
Besides Dungo, who backstopped Kevin Quiambao’s 21 points, five rebounds, and four assists, Nigerian Agunanne also stepped up with 11 points and 16 rebounds.
La Salle coach Topex Robinson said they don’t have a ‘magic bunot’ on their team as everybody will get an opportunity to shine.
“I always tell them that opportunity will always come by you, but it depends if you’re ready. Doy struggled in our first game but the opportunity came for him to shine this time so I guess we also have to give credit to the guys that play with him. When they knew that Doy’s was having his game, they’re really looking for him,” said Robinson.
“We always tell that we always play for each other and it just so happened that Doy and Henry were having a good game so guys gave them the opportunity.”
The La Salle rookie attributed his solid play to the guidance of his seniors, especially last year’s MVP Quiambao, whose passion for the game inspires him.
“What I want to take from him is his love for the game and his dedication. His hard work during practice, he’s always putting in extra effort. He always tells me that when he passes the ball to me, I should just take the shot,” Dungo said. “Our older teammates always remind us to play our best whenever we’re put in the game.”
Dungo, who played for San Beda Red Cubs before transferring to UST as a one-and-done, vows to always stay ready for La Salle in its title defense.