National University punched its ticket to the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Final Four after surviving Adamson University in a nail-biting 66–65 win on Saturday.
But instead of celebration, a sense of urgency filled the Bulldogs’ locker room — a reminder that the road to redemption is far from over.
For veteran forward Jake Figueroa, the game was more than just another close call; it was a wake-up call.
“Nag-focus lang kami,” said Figueroa, who led NU with 13 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals.
“Hindi kami dapat umabot sa ganung sitwasyon dahil nga veteran team kami. Sabi ko sa kanila na mag-focus lang kami sa mga little things siyempre at yung gusto ni coach (Jeff Napa) sa amin na effort at energy — hindi dapat mawala yun.”
The Bulldogs had to dig deep, relying on sheer composure and individual grit in the dying seconds.
Figueroa, who went scoreless in the first half, turned things around after the break while playing like the MVP frontrunner he’s become.
The 6-foot-4 graduating forward credited the coaching staff for keeping him steady and his teammates for picking him up when frustration nearly took over.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Di naman sa akin yung nanggaling,” he admitted. “Kay coach yun. Kaunti na lang kiss ko si coach kanina kasi sobrang struggle ako. Di ko alam kung ano gagawin ko. Sobrang frustrated na ako. Inapproach ako nang maayos ng mga teammates ko at yung mga coaches.
“Kahit papaano naman naging composed ako, and kahit ano ibato sa amin ni coach na game plan, naco-convert namin nang maayos.”
In the final sequence, when Mark Parks sank the tough layup and the crucial free throw, Figueroa said the chaos on the floor tested their discipline — and their leadership.
“Di ko rin maintindihan kung ano nangyari. Buti na-miss ni (Matty) Erolon at nakita ko kaagad si Mark. Pero siyempre, as a leader talaga, need ko i-organize yung mga nasa loob at need mo maging composed pag intense yung game kasi once na ma-rattle ka, mawawala kayo,” he recalled.
Despite leading NU to its third Final Four appearance in four seasons, the proud Kabalen stayed grounded.
The Bulldogs sit atop the standings with a 9–2 record, but Figueroa knows the real battle is still ahead — especially with the twice-to-beat advantage still on the line.
“Malayo pa kami sa gusto naming marating ngayong season. Hindi naman namin alam kung ano mangyayari sa mga susunod na games namin. Lagi sinasabi ni coach na itaas pa namin level namin every game kasi sa mindset namin nilalagay namin na championship mode na talaga,” Figueroa said.
“Yun lang sinasabi lagi ni coach na kahit sino pwede maging leader kasi veteran team.”
For Figueroa, the Final Four berth means nothing without focus.
“Di naman namin iniisip yung (Final Four) eh,” he added. “Kumbaga, focus pa rin kami sa goal namin ngayon. Focus din kami sa mga kailangan namin i-improve as a team.
“Malayo pa kumbaga. Kahit sino pwede maging leader.”
