UAAP: Coach Jeff Napa credits NU’s defense as key to emphatic upset over UP

NU head coach Jeff Napa said that it was all about lock down defense as the Bulldogs pulled off a big upset over the UP Fighting Maroons over the weekend, 67-47.

 

All but eliminated in the Final Four race, NU hit the ground running at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. Though of course having to make their own shots as well, which came as they established rhythm early, it was more about stopping the Maroons.

 

[RELATED: NU shocks misfiring UP to keep slim UAAP Final Four hopes alive]

 

In the convincing victory, NU held UP to season lows in both scoring and field goal percentage. 

 

During an interview on One News’ Play by Play, Napa spoke about their preparations which eventually stopped UP’s opportunities where they needed them the most during their game.

 

 

“Syempre, as a coach, I’m happy that we were able to execute our game plan talaga. Especially on the defensive end,” said Napa. 

 

“Kumbaga, na-emphasize namin what their strength was then kung ano 'yung kailangan namin i-limit against UP talaga. That’s why we were successful do'n sa game na 'yun. Na-take away namin kung ano talaga 'yung strength ng kalaban.”

 

The defensive win was in total contrast to UP’s big win over NU in their first round encounter. After losing by 27 in their first meeting of the season, the Bulldogs were able to flip the script.

 

But it wasn’t just their 24-8 start that propelled NU to the victory. 

 

For multiple games already this season, teams have built lofty leads against the Fighting Maroons. Though a lot of them faded when it mattered the most — right after the halftime break.

 

NU, though, only upped the ante. Buoyed by his players’ energy, Napa said that they were able to sustain their defensive efforts.

 

“Siguro, when I saw na 'yung energy ng mga players ko talagang ando'n, then they were executing our game plan especially on defense talaga, na talagang they paid attention to detail. So nag-benefit 'yung one week preparation namin sa kanila. Well executed.” said Napa.

 

“Credit sa mga coaches talaga na nagtulong tulong na mai-scout talaga kung ano 'yung pwede naming subukan. Siguro nung mga crucial stretch nung fourth quarter, do'n na namin nakita [na mananalo kami].” he added.

 

The victory was a big boost for NU, who were erstwhile last placers in the standings. 

 

While the Final Four remains a pipe dream with their 3-8 slate, the Bulldogs aim for more surprises for the rest of the year.

 

Their first assignment after the Fighting Maroons? Another Final Four contender in the UST Growling Tigers. 

 

They hope for another big win when they tip off in their second round encounter on Wednesday, November 6, at the Mall of Asia Arena.