Figueroa rises to occasion for Bulldogs

National University (NU) has made a strong push in the crucial stretch of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tournament elimination round.

Leading the pack is the reliable and steady Jake Figueroa, whose consistent production in the Bulldogs’ last three games helped the squad secure a return ticket to the Final Four and a twice-to-beat advantage to boot.

The versatile forward averaged 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.6 steals in NU’s victories over Adamson University, Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of the East, which improved the team’s league-leading record to 11-2.

His contributions, which assured the Bulldogs of a top two finish in the elimination round for the first time in 12 years, earned him the nod as the Collegiate Press Corps Player of the Week presented by the Philippine Sports Commission in the men’s division for the period of 5 to 16 November.

“I just want to repay the trust and playing time that coach (Jeff Napa) has been giving me,” Figueroa said.

He tallied 13 points, four rebounds, six assists, and two steals in a 66-65 escape over the Falcons. Figueroa followed it up with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block in a 70-64 win over the Tamaraws before tallying 14 markers, seven boards, three dishes, and two takeaways in dealing the Red Warriors an 83-74 decision.

The NU star beat out for the weekly honor Francis Nnoruka of University of the Philippines, Collins Akowe and Nic Cabañero of University of Santo Tomas and FEU’s Janrey Pasaol, and Kirby Mongcopa.