NU has lost only one game so far in UAAP Season 86.
The NU Bulldogs continue their strong form in UAAP Season 86 after dominating the UE Red Warriors, 68-49, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
The Red Warriors were able to keep in step with the Bulldogs during the first quarter.
But after coach Jeff Napa’s “tongue-lashing” with NU, the Bulldogs tightened up their defense to limit UE to just four points in the second quarter.
NU then continued to build their lead in the second half en route to a comfortable 19-point victory.
“Narinig nila ‘yung mga 'di kanais-nais na dapat sabihin sa kanila para to wake up. ‘Yung term na tongue-lashing, ‘yung tough love na sinasabi ninyo,” Napa said during the post-game press conference.
“We just have to wake up lang ‘yung mga players because we’re sending a wrong message nga nung first quarter,” he added.
Omar John, Jake Figueroa, and PJ Pacielo all finished with 12 points for NU in the victory.
With the win, the Bulldogs are now 5-1 in the standings, strengthening their hold of the second spot, just behind the unbeaten UP Fighting Maroons.
“If we’re sending a strong message dito sa league na ito, right from the start palang pinapakita na namin ‘yung strong message na ‘yun,” said Napa. “Kumbaga sinasabi ng mga tao, if you think you’re contenders, just show them you’re contenders.”
Up next for NU will be the gritty Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. UE, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against the De La Salle Green Archers also on Saturday.
(CF)