NATIONAL University claimed the scalp of defending champion University of the Philippines 80-75 two days ago — something that should boost its campaign, but Bulldogs coach Jeff Napa is far from satisfied.
“Every game is a must win. Kailangan naming manalo. Hindi puwedeng no big deal pa rin ito (stunner over UP) but against every team, we have to prepare talaga so hindi namin sila puwedeng i-take lightly,” Napa said. “Ito ang pinaghandaan talaga namin, itong season na ito.
“Noong previous season we were establishing our identity and in our last three games we didn’t establish our identity so iyon ang challenge ko, ano ba ang gusto ninyong ipakitang identiy. Iyon ang hinahanap ko sa kanila,” he added.
NU eyes a third straight win and the solo lead when it tangles with Adamson University tomorrow in the 85th UAAP basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The match is set at 4 p.m. after La Salle tries to redeem itself from a stunning loss to University of the East when it collides with winless Far Eastern University in the curtain-raiser at 2 o’clock.
The Sampaloc-based cagers will rely on Kean Baclaan, John Lloyd Clemente, Omar John, Michael Malonzo, and Steve Nash Enriquez in their bid to climb to 4-1.
The Soaring Falcons trounced the Tamaraws 76-65 last Wednesday.
Adamson strategist Nash Racela is hoping his troops could notch more triumphs.
“Every game matters in this tournament, and this season you see a lot of surprises. They say teams are a little bit more balanced now, except for a couple of teams,” Racela said.
“From our end, the only thing we should be thinking about, at this point, is ourselves.”
Jerom Lastimosa, Vince Magbuhos, Cedrick Manzano, Joem Sabandal, and Lenda Douanga will be counted upon by Adamson in its attempt to hike its 2-2 mark.
The Green Archers fell to the Red Warriors 74-81 two days ago that dropped them to 2-2.
La Salle will pin its hopes on Schonny Winston, Kevin Quiambao, Penny Estacio, and Michael Phillips.
With a 0-4 slate, FEU will bank on Patrick Sleat, Xyrus Torres, and LJ Gonzales to crash the winner’s circle.
