It was something they didn’t have in their previous loss.
NU Bulldogs coach Jeff Napa rued his team's lack of effort in the aftermath of its 88-78 loss to the La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament last week.
It was something he reiterated to his players in the week that followed. It worked wonders.
On Saturday, the Bulldogs showed the kind of effort Napa has long wanted as they scraped past the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 65-61, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“We emphasized effort. Last game everybody [was] lutang. Now, everybody was sharp. Everybody wanted na ma-emphasize the effort,” said Napa.
Jake Figueroa scored the biggest baskets down the stretch, including the three-pointer that proved to be the dagger as NU rose to an 8-2 win-loss record. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
“Good thing napunta sa 'min favor nung last few minutes, Jake made big shots at crucial free throws kaya kami napunta sa ganitong sitwasyon,” Napa said.
But while he was happy with the way his wards responded to the challenge, the amiable mentor is far from satisfied.
“Hindi pwedeng makuntento. Kailangan consistent sa effort na binibigay namin day in day out kasi ‘yun identity namin. Dun kami nabubuhay,” he said.
The Bulldogs hope to sustain that effort when they take on the FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday. Game time is set at 4 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(MDB)