UAAP: Against all odds, NU determined to finish season strong

NU Bulldogs coach Jeff Napa during the UAAP Seasosn 87 men’s basketball game at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. –UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The National University Bulldogs didn’t mind how bad their season has been, choosing to focus on finishing strong for the remainder of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

The mindset instilled by coach Jeff Napa worked wonders for the Bulldogs as they shocked the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 67-47, on Sunday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

“We’re in this situation, and there’s nothing we can do; we’re undermanned, but we still compete. I told them, let’s finish this season strong—that’s our mindset for now, as long as we do things right, the results will follow. I’m not focusing on whether we make it to the Final Four or not; I just ask them to end the season well,” said Napa.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball 

“I don’t want to add more pressure about reaching the Final Four. At least our shooters finally connected, and they executed our defensive game plan correctly.”

Napa attributed everything about their win to his Bulldogs but Pat Yu, who poured in 12 of his game-high 17 points in the second half, deflected the credit to their coaches.

NU Bulldogs’ Patrick Yu during the UAAP Seasosn 87 men’s basketball game at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. –UAAP PHOTO

“Coach said that the player is the star, but it’s really thanks to the coaches. They worked hard, staying up late to prepare us and lift our morale to win,” said Yu, who shot 5-of-7 from the three-point line.

“Coach Jeff told us just to enjoy and not to worry about the pressure of entering the Final Four. I’m very thankful to him because, even though I’ve been struggling all season, he still believes in me.”

READ: UAAP: NU stops slide, adds to Ateneo’s woes

Jake Figueroa, who had 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists, believes their one-week Halloween break helped them regroup and rediscover their winning ways as they improved to seventh place with a 3-8 record — with a slim chance to enter the Final Four.

“Our one-week preparation with coach was very strict. Luckily, we got this win, and even in training, any small mistake would get you yelled at by coach. As veterans, our mindset is to approach the rookies well, and they did what we asked,” said Figueroa.

With a dimming Final Four chances, Napa urges his wards to stick with the same mindset: play without pressure and finish strong. 

“Whatever the Lord has given us, we’re already blessed with that. I won’t use losing our import as an excuse. I’ve never used it as a reason—that’s why I still push them hard because I know what they’re capable of. Until this season ends, we’ll keep fighting,” said the NU coach.

NU seeks to capitalize on its big win, facing UST on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“UST is a very dangerous team; they’re up there at the top. For us, we want to finish strong this season to show people that we’re still here, despite everything that happened, and we’re ready to compete,” he said.