Bulldogs chase quarterfinal bus

National University (NU) seeks to catch the last bus headed for the quarterfinals when they battle Far Eastern University (FEU) in the 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Game time is at 12 p.m. with the Bulldogs looking to secure their third straight win that will send them to the playoffs of this tourney that serves as a warmup for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

NU coach Jeff Napa said they will march to battle with high morale after recovering from a 0-2 hole, thanks to the solid performance of playmaker Steve Nash Enriquez and Jolo Manansala.

“Somehow, our team is improving and we are starting to do what we need to do as a team,” said Napa following their impressive 61-46 win over Adamson University last Friday.

But the battle will not be a walk in the park for the Bulldogs as they battle a Tamaraws squad that is hungry for redemption after suffering two losses in their last three matches.

FEU coach Sean Chambers hopes to draw solid numbers from Jorick Bautista and Mo Konateh to shake off the stigma of their 90-66 loss to De La Salle University last Friday.

Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde (6-1) and Emilio Aguinaldo College (6-2) face off at 10 a.m. with the winner locking up a top two spot in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) bracket.

The Blazers are coming off a statement 102-64 rout of San Beda University last Wednesday with Tony Ynot and Ian Torres leading the charge.

But the Generals want redemption, especially after falling to the Red Lions, 70-66, last Friday as they seek to prove that they are indeed for real this upcoming NCAA Season 101.