After starting the season with a 4-2 record, the National University Bulldogs struggled, losing six straight games and falling out of the coveted top four spots.
“Just like any other young team, you lose your confidence, you start losing your identity,” said NU head coach Eric Altamirano, who has never had a losing season with the Bulldogs. “I keep reminding the boys to stick to that game plan. Sometimes, maganda yung intention nila but, sometimes, mali yung execution.”
The Bulldogs’ last win happened over a month ago —Â 36 days, to be exact. And as the losses piled up, so did the tempers of the NU student-athletes.
“Sa practice nagkakainitan na kami. Sobrang competitive ng mga practices namin. Lahat umiinit ang ulo including the coaches,” NU co-captain Jay Alejandro shared.
Heading into their game against the University of the East Red Warriors, the Bulldogs had a 10-day break. But the Bulldogs’ long hiatus from the UAAP stadiums did not mean that they were absent from the hard court.
“We stuck to the process and went back to the basics, finding our identity back,” Altamirano said about the matter. “We did it the hard way. It was a hard week for us, they know that.”
“Yung one week na yun parang one year sa amin,” Alejandro furthered.
Even with just 11 players in their line-up, as JV Gallego and Nico Abatayo are out with injuries, according to Altamirano, their work off the court has born fruit, as they took a 64-52 win over UE.
“Na-miss namin manalo. Wala kong masabi. Ang daming pinagdaanan ng team ngayong second round. Everyone stepped up,” a relieved Alejandro said.
“Sabi ko nga namin ni Alfred [Aroga], ‘marami na kaming masyadong pinagdaanan.'”
And with their destiny out of their hands, they are not going down without a fight.
“We are not giving up. Kahit anong mangyari sa season na ito, we are going to give our best shot.
“I hope its not too late for us. We are praying very hard. Our last assignment is against Adamson and I hope we still have a chance,” Altamirano said decisively.
