Going solo: Blue Eagles, Bulldogs go separate ways

Going solo: Blue Eagles, Bulldogs go separate ways | Daily Tribune

The Bulldogs are on a roll after an opening-day loss, stringing back-to-back wins for a 2-1 win-loss record tied with UST, Ateneo, University of the Philippines (UP) and Far Eastern University.

NU took down the erstwhile unbeaten Fighting Maroons, 72-64, last Saturday to boost its morale.

Reinhard Jumamoy, big man Mo Diassana, Macmac Alfanta, Paul Francisco, Kenshin Padrones and PJ Palacielo gave huge contributions against UP.

Head coach Jeff Napa expects them to chip in the same effort and production to shoot down the Blue Eagles.

“We know that in the level of competition here in the UAAP we’re outside the radar (from those of traditional favorites). We have to be consistent on ourselves and compete, compete, compete,” Napa said.

Ateneo, on the other hand, is looking to establish its own consistency. The Blue Eagles have yet to win consecutive games.

The Katipunan-based squad rebounded from a blowout loss against the Fighting Maroons by venting its ire on the Falcons, 73-68, a week ago.

With Kieffer Alas taking a backseat in scoring, veteran guard Jared Bahay, Ian Espinosa and Travis Roberts took care of business.

The points distribution and defensive effort are welcome developments for interim mentor Louie Alas.

“It’s kind of hard, but I want my players to buy in to my total system. Most of them believe that the best defense is offense, but I believe in the opposite,” he said.

“If you look at the game, it is low-scoring. I like this kind of scoring. As they say, you can win games, but if you want to win championships, you have to be consistent with your defense.”

Meanwhile, the Tigers are roaring after bringing down La Salle and University of the East following an opening day loss to UP.

UST weathered the winless Red Warriors’ second half uprising in a 98-87 victory last Wednesday and is eyeing a third straight win to remain in the lead.

“It’s great that we got to shake off some rust following a two-week break because of the Asian Games. We didn’t get a chance to at least have tune-up games. This game (against UE) gave us a chance to prepare for Adamson,” Tigers head coach Pido Jarencio said.

Mark Llemit, Season 88 Rookie of the Year Collins Akowe, Koji Buenaflor and Amiel Acido are putting in consistent numbers for the UST, which is motivated to get back at the Falcons after losing both its matches against them last season.

Adamson is hoping to get back on the winning track and improve its 1-1 record.