The National University Bulldogs are back in a familiar place, being the underdogs.
After a dismal first round, the reigning and defending UAAP Men’s Basketball Champions are in the midst of a second round resurgence that saw them surpass La Salle in the Final Four race. Leading the way for the cagers from Jhocson Street is senior and Smart Elite ambassador Gelo Alolino.
Alolino came through with his finest offensive performance, powering the Bulldogs to a crucial victory over reeling host University of the Philippines last Sunday and into the top four of the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament. Alolino sizzled with a career-best 26 points, 12 of them coming in the payoff canto, on top of 10 rebounds and three assists, enabling the Bulldogs to hold off the Fighting Maroons 75-69 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The notable exploits of Alolino helped NU improve to 6-7 and move up to fourth spot after La Salle suffered its third straight setback, a 62-73 decision against archnemesis Ateneo, causing it to drop to a 5-7 mark.
“There is no special game plan, we just executed our defense well. Our defense turned out to be our offense as well,” said Alolino, who earned the ACCEL Quantum/3XVI-UAAP Press Corps Player of the Week honors. “We made stops and we made easy baskets on transition. Credit to my teammates for finding me, when I’m open,” he added.
“Everybody wanted to win the game and that’s everybody’s mindset. Coach Eric (Altamirano) gave me the responsibility, that’s why I need to deliver,” added Alolino. “If there are players who can score, they also have a chance to deliver.”
NU head coach Eric Altamirano also praised the hardwork displayed by Alolino. “Imagine he is our point guard and yet he is the one scoring for us. I know it is a big responsibility but he’s living up to it,” Altamirano said about his the senior.
Alolino bested the following student-athletes for this week’s crown:
Pape Sarr Adamson University
Week average: 22 points, 20 rebounds, 46.7% FG, 80% FT
Win over: University of the East
Clark Derige University of the East
Week average: 21.5 points, 8 rebounds, 2.5 3FGM, 43.24% FG, 75% FT
Win over: University of Santo Tomas
Lost to: Adamson University
Karim Abdul University of Santo Tomas
Week average: 24 points, 10 rebounds, 60% FG, 68.18% FT
Win over: Far Eastern University
Lost to: University of the East
Adrian Wong Ateneo de Manila University
Week average: 12 points, 1.5 3FGM, 75% FG, 100% FT
Wins over: University of the Philippines, De La Salle University
Von Pessumal Ateneo de Manila University
Week average: 11 points, 1.5 3FGM, 3.5 rebounds, 35% FG, 77.8% FT
Wins over: University of the Philippines, De La Salle University
