The National University Bulldogs will try to pick up the pace when they meet another strong team, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at 1 p.m. Saturday in the 86th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
Coach Jeff Napa said this after NU repulsed Far Eastern University, 71-65, for its second straight triumph.
The Bulldogs have momentum going into their game with the Fighting Maroons, a squad they consider to be tough.
“The team responded well when they rallied against FEU. But, we can’t afford to do that on Saturday against a strong team like UP,” said Napa.
The Bulldogs shared the lead with the Maroons after they upset the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on opening day, 77-64.
The Maroons, who sustained a strong start for an 84-69 victory over University of the East, wants to stay unbeaten against NU.
And UP’s coaches believe that they can do so if the team maintains its composure in their clash with NU.
“Our advantage in this is ‘yung composure ng team namin,” said UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon. Peter Atencio