Saturday’s tussle between University of the Philippines and National University marked the first time that Janjan Felicilda and Reyland Torres faced their former team.
The duo emerged victorious as the Fighting Maroons routed the Bulldogs 78-60 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
For Torres, there was, of course, extra motivation heading into the game, facing his ex-teammates and former coach Jeff Napa.
Felicilda and Torres suited up for NU in Season 84 before jumping ship to UP a month after the tournament.
“Namomotivate ako kasi syempre as a player may gigil na gusto rin namin sila talunin,” said Torres, who had eight points and two assists in 12 minutes and 34 seconds on the floor.
“Sobrang saya kasi syempre pinaghandaan namin yung game na ito.”
However, more than winning the game, the 6-foot-2 winger is proud to be on opposing sides with his former teammates in the Bulldogs’ camp, which shows how far they’ve come.
Playing in the country’s premier collegiate league, the Bago City, Negros Occidental native, along with his other teammates, has seen their basketball careers reach new heights.
Felicilda, who hails from Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, finished with three points, two rebounds, and an assist.
Steve Nash Enriquez, one of the few Bullpups products still in NU, is also experiencing an impressive upward trajectory in his game this season.
“Alam mo yung masaya ka magkalaban kayo sa loob, parang nandito kayo sa big league magkakalaban kayo, may narating kayo. Marami rin kaming pinagsamahan,” said Torres.
With this victory, UP is the last undefeated team in the league as the Bulldogs slipped to 2-1.
However, the Fighting Maroons are not contented, as the season is still in its early stages, and standings barely mean a thing.
“Sabi nga ni Coach Gold, third game pa lang ito marami pa kami kailangang iimprove, matutunan, malayo pa bago matapos yung season kaya kailangan consistent talaga.”
