COACH Jeff Napa has always known how capable his National University team is.
Even after last year's forgettable campaign, there was no doubt in his mind that the Bulldogs have what it takes to square up with the league's best.
Three games into the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament and still unscathed, that belief is now being known by the rest of the public.
"Siyempre, galing kami sa awful season, so yung players are eager to prove something, na makabalik sa kung saan kami dati," said Napa.
Now, he gets another chance to make a statement, as NU braces for defending champion University of the Philippines on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Yet that's the least of Napa's concerns, saying, "Alam naman namin yung kakayanan ng team namin. Ang mahalaga for us, it's all about effort."
Jake Figueroa has been on a tear though the first three games, anchoring the Bulldogs to their best start in the Final Four era at 3-0 while reminding everyone that he belongs in the conversation among the league's elite, with his clutch performance on Wednesday's 76-69 win over University of Santo Tomas the latest proof to his prowess.
But the Fighting Maroons aren't ready to be pushed aside, especially after claiming their breakthrough win, 92-75, against University of the East behind Rey Remogat.
Game time is at 4:30 p.m., with the Jhocson side looking to continue its run of luck in the venue, going 5-0 so far in QPav, while State U its driven to end the curse and finally win one through four games in Espana.
Reality check for UST
Prior to that will be the 1:30 p.m. clash between UST (2-1) and UE (0-3).
The Growling Tigers are hungry to bounce back after that sorry loss to National U and surely, Nic Cabanero and Co. want to redeem themselves in front of their home fans.
Precious Momowei, on the other hand, promises a stronger fight for the still-winless Red Warriors.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
