Reinhard Jumamoy shot the lights out of the SM Mall of Asia Arena for National University in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
The rookie out of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu played his best game yet at the senior level — scoring 21 points behind 8-of-10 shooting in just 15 minutes to lead NU to a 65-61 win over Ateneo de Manila University.
It was the perfect way for the UAAP Season 85 Boys’ Basketball MVP to step up in the absence of Steve Nash Enriquez, who is out of action due to a jaw injury.
It took the 4:48 mark of the payoff period for Jumamoy to finally miss in the game as he made his first eight shots.
“Yung nawala sa amin na si Kuya Nash… Para sa kanya talaga ito… Malaking bagay nung nawala siya sa amin. Siyempre isa siya sa leader namin, nilu-look up namin,” the 20-year-old guard said about his senior.
“Tiwala lang ako kayla Coach (Jeff Napa), yung opportunity na dumating sa akin ginrab ko lang.”
The Bulldogs leaned on Jumamoy and his hot hands to lead them to victory. NU needed to dig deep.
Ateneo – despite coach Tab Baldwin’s absence – was hard to put away.
While the pressure to lead his team tonight may have been heavy, Jumamoy took it in his stride. Amidst his fine performance, he leaned on his comrades and coach Jeff Napa to make sure that what he was doing on the court came with their blessing.
“Yung tiwala nila Coach Jeff sobrang pasalamat ako, sa teammates ko nagpapasalamat lang ako kasi nahuhulog yung tira ko. Sabi nila tira lang ako nang tira, yung green light sa akin sobrang laking bagay sa akin yun as a rookie,” he said.
“Sinasabi lang nila coach sa akin na maging ready lang ako, maging composed ako sa game ko, kasi alam ko naman na may tiwala sila sa akin.”
NU’s victory could have massive implications for its Final Four future. The Bulldogs are currently on track to get a twice-to-beat advantage.
The Bulldogs will next face Far Eastern University this Wednesday. Napa insisted that his team will not take the Tamaraws lightly, especially after they defeated Ateneo twice this season already.
NU still has a long way to go and it will remain humble and hardworking until it gets to achieve its ambitions.
“Thank you lang ako kay Lord wala akong masabi. Magtrabaho lang kami ulit, hindi kami nakukuntento kung hindi namin makuha yung goal namin.”
