Fourth year gunslinger J-Jay Alejandro showed how lethal of a scorer he can be during National University’s last assignment in the first round against the FEU Tamaraws.
With his team down by as many as 13 points, the 21-year-old scored 17 points in the final frame. The clutch points he produced helped National U tie the game at 71-all with two minutes left.
“Offensively he played very well. He carried us when he had to especially during the second half,” Bulldogs head coach Eric Altamirano said about Alejandro’s career-game. “I felt FEU gave those good looks to Jay. It’s good that he was able to get us back in the second half.”
However, unforced turnovers and multiple lapses in boxing out led to NU’s third loss of the season as they finish the first round at fourth place.
For Alejandro, who is averaging 12.7 points per game, he was left with a bittersweet taste in his mouth. And who could blame him? No one can celebrate a personal feat that ended with a loss.
“Wala na yun e. Move on na,” he quipped.
“Important yung game na yun. Kaya lahat kami nasasayangan. Siguro we have to move on and play it one game at a time.”
The 6’0″ shooting guard wants to maintain the same aggression he displayed in the this game for the second round as NU’s playoff bid depends on it.
“Siguro sa defense pa rin,” he said when asked what they still lack. “We have to work on closing the door.”
“But every game naman I try give to give my all.”
