NATIONAL U has looked like a proper Jake Figueroa team for the most part in UAAP Season 88.
But in the rare times when the shots aren't falling for the 23-year-old slasher, Figueroa knows that the Bulldogs’ scoring load isn’t his alone to lift.
A trio of contributors in Steve Nash Enriquez, Paul Francisco, and Omar John merged for 42 points to take down La Salle yet again in their second-round rematch, 75-67, on Sunday to keep hold of the league lead with an 8-2 card.
READ: NU still No. 1 after passing tough test put up by La Salle
In that contest, a misfiring Figueroa was held to just five points, but found other key areas to exploit, as he also logged eight boards, six dimes, and six steals.
“Kahit nga na nag-struggle ako sa points, naisip ko lang na makatulong at maka-contribute ako sa team kahit sa mga little things,” Figueroa told SPIN.ph.
“Hindi naman ‘yun (points) malaking bagay sa’kin, basta buo pa rin ‘yung tiwala nila sa’kin kahit na maalat man o malas.”
A big part of the role Figueroa has had to fulfill for the blue-and-gold this season, aside from keeping his act clean and efficient, is to steady National U’s ship in times of turbulence.
And against a fellow title contender such as Green Archers, he took it upon himself to keep the Bulldogs on their toes - even if it didn't come throught in scoring.
“As a leader, ‘yun din talaga ‘yung kinailangan kong gawin na i-organize nang maayos ‘yung team and maging mas composed, personally,” Figueroa said.
“Mas na-compose naman namin ‘yung naging lead namin at na-bless kami ni Lord na naibigay ‘tong panalo na ‘to.”
NU happy, but not contented
Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa floated this mantra of not resting on their laurels in an ultracompetitive playing field.
And Figueroa looks to not only heed that, call but to also to embody it, as National U enters the home stretch of its Final Four chase.
“Kumbaga, every game kasi, mas importante na sa’min eh dahil lumalapit na kami sa main goal namin this season na maka-get over the hump,” he said.
“Gusto rin naming maregaluhan din ‘yung NU bago mag-Pasko na maging masaya ‘yung Pasko namin.”
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