Unbeaten Bulldogs seek solo lead vs Maroons

UP’s Gerry Abadiano (left) and NU’s Jake Figueroa

(UAAP Media Bureau)

Games Saturday

(UST Quadricentennial Pavilion)

7:30 a.m. – UE vs UST (16U)

9:30 a.m. – UPIS vs NU (16U)

12 noon – UE vs UST (women)

2 p.m. UE vs UST (men)

4:30 p.m. – UP vs NU (men)

7 p.m. – UP vs NU (women)

MANILA, Philippines — A pivotal solo lead is up for grabs for National University as it eyes to preserve a spotless start against no less than reigning champion UP dealing with a surprising struggle in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Action sizzles at 4:30 p.m. for the main game of the twin-bill that also features UST’s goal for a quick rebound, after losing to NU in the duel between unbeaten squads, against the winless UE at 2 p.m.

The Bulldogs currently share the pole position with Ateneo at 3-0 in a massive turnaround for both squads after finishing at the bottom last season, potentially pushing them into an even better position midway through the first round with another big win against the Fighting Maroons.

And NU has all the confidence to do the feat, riding on two blowout wins against Far Eastern University, 84-68, and UE, 72-57, laced by a 76-69 comeback versus UST, which beat top title contenders UP and La Salle.

“’Yung character kasi, hindi na para kuwestiyunin ko sa mga players ko,” said head coach Jeff Napa as NU solved the puzzle of super rookie Tiger Collins Akowe, who bled for just five points and eight rebounds after a torrid 24.5-point, 18-rebound average in the first two games.

“But we don’t have time to celebrate as we’re up against another top contender in UP. We have to be ready.”

A stark contrast to NU is UP’s flat start to its title defense after losing to UST in a blowout and to Adamson via a buzzer-beater.

The Fighting Maroons finally entered the winner’s circle with a 92-75 drubbing of the Red Warriors, but coach Goldwin Monteverde wants more from his young unit following the graduation of longtime leader JD Cagulangan, Quentin Millora-Brown and Francis Lopez if they wish to win a second straight crown.

"I guess winning this game in this way would make us realize that it’s very important to play together. It’s not just about talent, it’s about having a quick intuition on making decisions din," said Monteverde.

“Win or lose, ang mindset namin is to improve everyday kung ano pa ba pwede naing pagandahin. Of course going towards NU, we will be prepared with the same mindset.”