They continued their winning streak in UAAP Season 86.
Make those five wins in a row for the NU Bulldogs as they escaped with a 64-61 victory against the UE Red Warriors on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
NU and UE were neck-and-neck for most of the match. Come the fourth quarter, it looked like the Red Warriors had the momentum. However, the Bulldogs once again showed their fighting spirit and climbed back to steal the victory.
According to NU coach Jeff Napa, their battle cry, “Make a stop,” was more than evident during the game's final minutes.
“‘Yun naman ang laging battle cry namin. We need to make a stop para ma-change ‘yung momentum,” Napa said during the postgame press conference. “Even when we were down last time (against the Adamson Soaring Falcons) nung a few minutes, hindi ko sila nakitaan ng panic. Ang naisip lang nila paano nila mache-change ‘yung momentum.”
He also praised the team’s maturity and composure.
“Hindi ko nakita sa kanila na bumibigay na agad,” said Napa. “Even though we’re not making our shots outside, nandun 'yung mindset to make a stop.”
Kean Baclaan led the way anew for the 7-1 Bulldogs with 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Jake Figueroa added 12 markers.
RELATED STORY: Kean Baclaan shares how NU woke up in second half to grab thrilling win over Adamson
"Kailangan talaga maging consistent lang kami and then maging on one page," said Baclaan. "Ang daming injuries sa amin, so sobrang nakaka-frustrate pero wala kaming dapat alalahanin kasi nasa game kami, nasa battle kami. Kumbaga nasa war kami, so kailangan talaga may mag-next man up."
Baclaan was referring to key guys Steve Nash Enriquez, Jolo Manansala, and Reinhard Jumamaoy, who all went down due to injuries during the game.
Rey Remogat, meanwhile, had quite a game for the 2-6 Red Warriors, as he finished with a near quadruple-double of 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and eight steals.
NU and UE will both be back on Saturday, with the Bulldogs facing off against the De La Salle Green Archers and the Red Warriors going up against the UST Growling Tigers.
(PM)