When the going gets tough, Coach Eric Altamirano and the National University Bulldogs know who to call.
Last Sunday, with their playoff lives on the line, the Bulldogs found themselves in that situation in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament last Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Running off a pick-and-roll play, Gelo Alolino faked out Francis Tamsi to convert the game-winning jumper with 33.5 seconds left, giving the defending champions a 70-68 win over Far Eastern University.
It was another classic shootout between budding rivals Gelo Alolino and Mike Tolomia with National University’s Smart Elite ambassador coming out on top once more. Alolino finished with 20 points, 15 coming in the second half. “He is the type of player who loves the ball come endgame,” said Altamirano. Moreover, he also contributed four rebounds, three assists, and a steal in 33 minutes of action for the Bulldogs.
Alolino’s standout plays earned him a second straight ACCEL Quantum/3XVI-UAAP Press Corps Player of the Week honor.
Altamirano reaffirmed Alolino and the rest of his team’s readiness next week, whether the Bulldogs will battle La Salle in a playoff or UST in the Final Four. The Bulldogs ended their elimination run with a 7-7 record to have the inside track on the last Final Four berth. Only La Salle, running fifth at 6-7, can forge a playoff for the fourth spot.
“We are just going to wait for the result of Wednesday’s game (between FEU and La Salle),” said Altamirano. “Ang important lang, na-hurdle namin yung assignments namin.”
Gelo Alolino bested the following student-athletes for this week’s crown:
Kevin Ferrer, University of Santo Tomas
Week average: 25 points, 64% FG, 4 3FGM, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
Win over: Adamson University
Jeron Teng, De La Salle University
Week average: 20 points, 38.9% FG, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Win over: University of the Philippines
Prince Rivero, De La Salle University
Week average: 18 points, 58.3% FG, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
Win over: University of the Philippines
Chris Javier, University of the East
Week average: 13 points, 55% FG, 5 rebounds, 1 block
Win over: Ateneo de Manila University
Clark Derige, University of the East
Week average: 17 points, 50% FG, 75% FT, 1 3FGM, 5 rebounds
Win over: Ateneo de Manila University
