UAAP: NU’s Jumamoy stays positive despite loss, proud of ex-teammate

NU guard Reinhard Jumamoy during a game against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—National University may have lost another game in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament but Reinhard Jumamoy kept a positive outlook after the buzzer.

Following the Bulldogs’ close 70-68 loss to Ateneo at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, Jumamoy expressed pride in going up against fellow Cebuano and Blue Eagles rookie Jared Bahay.

“I feel really proud. Of course, we’re both Cebuanos alongside Sean Quitevis. I’m so happy because we used to go to the same school before and we were teammates,” said Jumamoy in an interview with Inquirer Sports at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball

“Now we’re in the biggest stage of our collegiate careers and we’re opponents so I’m very proud of him (Bahay). I’m happy that we saw each other again here in college basketball.”

Jumamoy and Bahay used to go to University of San Carlos in Cebu where they were teammates for two years during their elementary days.

The two then parted ways with Bahay heading to Ateneo de Cebu while Jumamoy made a mark for himself in Manila with Nazareth School-National University.

Ateneo Blue Eagles’ Jared Bahay and Kristian Porter during a UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Bahay won the CESAFI MVP award while Jumamoy earned an MVP of his own in the UAAP’s juniors’ division.

When their paths crossed again in the second round, Bahay came out victorious to help his team improve to a 2-6 card with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists. Another Cebuano in Kristian Porter led the way for the Blue Eagles with 14 points and 10 boards.

READ: UAAP: Kristian Porter powers Ateneo past NU

Jumamoy, meanwhile, held his own with eight points and three assists built on two baskets from beyond the arc.

“I told myself I’m not satisfied with my performance because we lost. But I always tell my teammates to keep being ourselves,” said Jumamoy.

“I don’t have much to say about the game because it hurts that we weren’t able to win for our fans who traveled here to watch us on a Sunday. We knew we had a chance to win but we just couldn’t grab the opportunity,” said Jumamoy after NU dropped to 2-6.