In the minds of the National University Bulldogs, a repeat of their Cinderella run from last year is definitely attainable.
After all, they looked dead in the water near the end of the second round before relying on the grit and heart that won them the title last year. But they will need to pull out all stops if they want to demolish the brick wall that awaits them, as the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers look to end nine years of futility and continue to build on what has been a hell of a season so far.
They’ve split their two games in the eliminations and though the Tigers own a twice-to-beat advantage, they’re not necessarily out of the woods yet.
Why UST will win
There is no team in the UAAP more bonded than UST. From the get-go, coach Bong dela Cruz and veteran Kevin Ferrer have emphasized that this is not a team – this is a family, and that’s the main key to their success so far.
They enjoy playing together. They look out for each other like brothers. And with a unit that’s as cohesive as theirs, the team is bound to go places.
Of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Tigers boast of their own version of the big three in Ferrer, Karim Abdul, and Ed Daquioag, three players who could hit form on any given night.
Add their supporting cast of Louie Vigil, rookie of the year runner-up Marvin Lee, and Mbons Bonleon, and the Tigers possess a potent offensive unit.
They have been the best team after 14 games. It’s hard to argue that they won’t be the best team when this is all said and done.
Why NU will win
As cliché as it may sound, Rudy Tomjanovich said it best: “Never underestimate the heart of a champion.”
That’s exactly what the Bulldogs have proven in their past two games, beating the De La Salle University and Far Eastern University by the skin of their teeth to catch the final seat on the semis train.
Going by the line-up, UST are definitely miles above them, but that was the case last year when NU overcame a talent-laden FEU squad in the finals. This is a team that relies on excellent ball movement, airtight defense, and that plays with a lot of discipline.
Coach Eric Altamirano has definitely stamped his class on this squad. Gelo Alolino, for all his inconsistencies, has proven to be a guy the team can trust when the game is on the line.
This is a dangerous NU squad, a team that no one wants to face in a knockout match.
X-Factors
Mario Bonleon for UST
When Bonleon is on-point, UST are almost impossible to stop.
Brought in primarily as an added offensive weapon, Bonleon has evolved into a two-way player this season, as his defense has improved leaps and bounds.
The wingman sometimes takes ill-advised shots, forces the issue on different occasions, but that’s how he’s made. In his case, the good comes with the bad and if the positives float, it will be a long night for NU.
JJay Alejandro for NU
Who else could be a better foil for Bonleon rather than his Batang Gilas teammate Jay Alejandro?
f there is one guy who can spell the difference for the Bulldogs, it’s Alejandro.
NU’s woes this season have stemmed from its lack of offense. When Alolino and Alfred Aroga struggle, the whole team takes a hit. But Alejandro has shown in the past that he’s a guy who can create for himself; that he can rack-up five, six, eight, ten straight points on a good day and keep himself hot for the duration of the game.
If the Bulldogs want to threaten UST in this series, they’re gonna need Alejandro.
Prognosis
It will be a slow game to start, with NU playing at their own pace, forcing UST to a dry spell early. The second half will be a different case altogether, when Ferrer and Daquioag start getting their rhythm.
It won’t be easy but UST will book the final championship seat this season in one game.
