Dungo plays role to perfection

He may just be a role player for a star-studded De La Salle University squad, but Doy Dungo is ready to step up when the game — and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) title — are on the line.

The 18-year-old Dungo made the most out of his limited playing time when he dropped 15 points off the bench to spark the Green Archers to a heart-stopping 74-70 win over reigning champion University of the Philippines in Game 1 of their Season 88 men’s basketball tournament best-of-three finals series.

The 6-foot-3 forward didn’t see action in their do-or-die Final Four battle against National University but stayed ready once La Salle coach Topex Robinson called his number.

“I wasn’t able to play in the last game and I wasn’t in the rotation. My coaches just told me to stay ready,” said Dungo, who rode the bench in their 78-73 triumph over the Bulldogs that sent them back to the finals.

“I used that moment as a motivation to put on a show in the finals.”

Dungo said Robinson has been pushing him hard, telling him that his time will come in a team overflowing with talent and experience from seasoned stars like Jacob Cortez, Mason Amos, Mike Phillips, Kean Baclaan and Luis Pablo.

“Coach T (Robinson) would tell us that ‘every moment will define you.’ A lot of athletes dreamed of making it to the finals,” said Dungo, who averaged 6.31 points in the double-round eliminations.

“Jake (Cortez) even told me it was his dream to play for La Salle. I’m ready to do whatever I can for the team.”

Dungo’s recent outburst gives the Archers additional firepower as they shoot for the crown in Game 2 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.