National University is now assured of at least a playoff for the fourth seed in the Final Four.
After exacting revenge on De La Salle University, 84-80, on Sunday, the Bulldogs moved a step closer to their goal of returning to the semifinals of the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
In a reversal of their opening-night result, also at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, NU proved its mettle against the defending champions and strengthened its bid for a Final Four berth.
However, the Final Four is a familiar destination for the Bulldogs, who have suffered heartbreaking exits at that stage in recent seasons.
Whether they secure a twice-to-beat advantage or not, NU’s biggest hurdle should it return to the semifinals remains the same: getting past the Final Four.
“Good thing yung learning doon sa first game na yon, yung improvement at yung challenge na binibigay sa kanila, they’re willing to take that challenge despite everything,” said head coach Jeff Napa.
Rejection became a recurring theme during the veteran tactician’s postgame press conference, as Napa brought up preseason predictions and expressed pride in his team for exceeding expectations despite entering Season 89 without much attention, according to him.
“Hindi naman kami hype na hype tulad ng ibang teams. Kayo nga, wala nga kami sa radar ninyo eh.
“Yun naman ang katotohanan na hindi niyo kami pine-predict. Pero, I’m happy na pino-prove ng players at pinapakita sa inyo yung capabilities nila,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Napa recalled that the Bulldogs were among the teams expected to contend for a Final Four spot last season and pose a serious challenge to the league’s perennial contenders.
This season, however, he noticed the lack of attention surrounding NU following its heartbreaking semifinal exit in Season 88, saying the Bulldogs were no longer considered among the title contenders.
“Last year, kayo na nag-predict eh, na we’re contenders talaga. This year, hindi niyo na kami pine-predict na mapupunta kami sa situation na ganito. So I’m happy na pinatunayan nila sa inyo, ng players ko, na we’re capable pa,” Napa confessed.
“Alam kong masakit yung nangyari last year sa amin na twice to beat na yun, kumbaga parang kaming binusted.”
Much like a relationship, Napa hopes the Bulldogs have done enough to win back the trust of their critics and earn the recognition of the pundits once more.
Despite his lengthy remarks on the subject, the NU mentor maintained that he refuses to let outside noise dictate his team’s approach, adding that his players share the same mindset.
“It’s up to us kung anong gagawin naming preparation at mindset kung ano man blessing na ibibigay sa amin ni Lord para, at least, mapaghandaan namin talaga.”
Now holding a share of the second seed with an 8-3 record, the Bulldogs are looking to close out the elimination round on a strong note.
With the Final Four within reach, Napa and NU have another opportunity to prove that the Bulldogs remain a legitimate contender in Season 89.
