NATIONAL University’s Justine Baltazar is eager to bounce back after De La Salle-Zobel prevented the Bullpups from completing a season sweep.
The 6-foot-7 center had his usual double-double of 15 points and 20 rebounds in Game Two of the finals, his 13th of the season for the Bullpups, but the Junior Archers won 60-71.
“Mas matindi po ‘yung depensa. Pinahirapan po talaga kami,” said Baltazar, who had 15 points and 27 rebounds in the Bullpups’ 78-58 Game One win.
[See De La Salle-Zobel denies NU Bullpups a season sweep with gritty Game Two victory]
La Salle-Zobel coach Boris Aldeguer stresses the need to limit Baltazar’s scoring.
“Hindi mo talaga matatanggal ’yun eh,” Aldeguer said, referring to Baltazar’s 20-rebound output. “If you are a 6-7 against a 6-2, talagang makaka-rebound.
“But what we really wanted is to limit his points. Okay lang na rumebound ng rumebound. We wanted to limit his points as well as his teammates’ rebounds. Kahit siya na mag-rebound buong NU, walang problema sa amin,” Aldeguer said.
Baltazar vows he will do better for Game Three.
[See NU Bullpups much too strong for La Salle Zobel, move on verge of UAAP juniors season sweep]
“Nag-relax po nung Game Two. Hindi kami sumunod sa ibang play,” said Baltazar.
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