The players responded big time after the disappointing loss to UP.
It took the NU Bulldogs a broken tumbler and a fuming coach to regain their bearings in the ongoing UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.
Coming off a loss to the Francis Lopez-led UP Fighting Maroons, coach Jeff Napa revealed he blew his top and walked out on his wards in Tuesday’s practice.
“Nilayasan ko sila kahapon,” said Napa. “Against UP sobrang sama e. Kulang na lang wasakin ko silya sa Araneta.”
Napa was trying to send a strong message to his players, who he said forgot to play as a team in the forgettable loss against the Fighting Maroons.
That message got across and did wonders.
The Bulldogs, in fact, literally drew up the game plan for the match against the skidding UST Growling Tigers, and they ran away with an emphatic 87-69 victory at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Kagabi, kumain kami as a team. Then, nag-open forum para malaro namin nilaro against Ateneo,” said Jolo Manansala, referring to NU's convincing opening day win against the defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Napa, whose team now holds a 3-1 win-loss card, gave credit to his players for responding the way they did.
“Credit to them. Sila gumawa ng game plan, sila nag-execute,” the amiable mentor said.
He added, “Sabi ko nga sa kanila, mananalo kami as a group, ‘yung total team effort talaga ‘yung dapat mangibabaw ngayon. Last time naging selfish lahat e.”
As for the tumbler, Napa said he would have to buy a new one as soon as possible.
“Sayang tumbler ko, nawasak. Bibili na lang ako uli sa Starbucks,” he said in jest.
If NU plays the way it did against UST, Napa's next tumbler might be his last for the season; otherwise, he might have to buy a few more if his Bulldogs become complacent and selfish again.
(MDB)