Can the NU Bulldogs bounce back in Round 2 of UAAP Season 87 and return to the Final Four?
The NU Bulldogs, currently in sixth place with a 2-5 record, are gearing up for their Round 2 opener in UAAP Season 87 as they face the Ateneo Blue Eagles this Sunday, October 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. With both teams struggling through the first half of the season, this matchup offers NU a crucial opportunity to climb up the standings and reignite their push for a Final Four spot.
NU’s 78-68 win over Ateneo in their Round 1 encounter on October 5 showed glimpses of their potential.
However, the Bulldogs are still working through several issues, particularly after losing big man Mo Diassana to injury. The absence of the foreign student athlete has left NU relying heavily on their All-Filipino squad, and the team has yet to find the consistency needed to replicate last season's Final Four run.
One major issue for NU has been their tendency to give up fouls, leading the league with an average of 23.43 fouls. Turnovers have also plagued the Bulldogs, with 14 per game, second only to Ateneo in this category.
Defensively, NU has struggled to contain their opponents on the perimeter, allowing the most three-pointers in the league. Additionally, the Bulldogs have allowed 11.43 second-chance points per game, while being outworked on the boards.
Despite these challenges, there are bright spots for the Bulldogs heading into Round 2.
Season 82 Juniors MVP Jake Figueroa has been a consistent offensive contributor, ranking ninth in the league with an average of 10.71 points per game.
Kenshin Padrones has also been efficient, posting an impressive 62.16% field goal percentage, making him the most accurate shooter in the league. He made seven of 12 field goals against Ateneo.
However, NU’s success in the second round will depend on their ability to tighten up their defense and reduce mistakes. The Bulldogs will need to improve on their perimeter defense and rebounding if they want to replicate last season’s 10-4 run to the Final Four, where they eventually lost to La Salle in the semifinals.
As they prepare for their second-round opener against Ateneo, NU has a chance to build on their recent win and create momentum for the rest of the season. A victory over Ateneo will not only bolster their record but also boost their confidence as they aim for another playoff appearance.
For the Bulldogs, the key will be finding more balance on both ends of the floor and leaning on their bright spots—like Figueroa and Padrones—as they strive to push past their early-season struggles.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]