National University is delighted to end Season 87 in a strong fashion after beating top seed De La Salle University on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Now, the Bulldogs are hoping to use the morale-boosting win as a motivation to strive even further next year.

NU pulled off an 63-54 upset of La Salle to conclude the season with five wins and nine losses and miss out on a spot in the Final Four.

The triumph came 10 days after it stunned second seed University of the Philippines.

For head coach Jeff Napa, he was just glad for his wards' effort of giving their best through ups and downs.

“So happy sa mga players talaga, binigay nila ‘yong best nila up to the last game,” said Napa. “Definitely and hopefully maging healthy kami for next year para at least maging mas maganda ‘yong performance ng lahat.”  

“Although nagkaroon ng advertisities ngayon, I'm still happy pa rin ako sa ginawang performance nila… ginawa nila ‘yong part nila and sinubukan nilang i-raise ang bar,” he added.

Winning only two in the first round, the Bulldogs delivered strong performances and took down three teams in their last four games thanks to their impeccable defense and balanced offense.

“Despite nga sa lahat ng nangyari, sobrang naging proud ako sa kanilang lahat, sa lahat ng ginawa nila,” Napa continued.

PJ Palacielo was one of the key cogs in the two upset victories. He was the go-to guy for NU highlighted by his 16-point and 8-rebound outputs to anchor his squad over the reigning champion La Salle.

“Hindi kami nakapasok ng Final Four ngayon, pero nakita ko naman ngayong buong season kung dami namin talagang struggling kami yung season,” said Palacielo. “Ayun nga, masaya din ako kasi, ayun, pero yung remaining games namin yung second round.”

NU missed the service of its foreign student-athlete Mo Diassana after sustaining a left knee injury in the first four minutes of their season opener versus La Salle. Good thing for the Bulldogs as rising star Vince Reyes stepped up to the challenge alongside boys’ MVP Collins Akowe, Migs Palanca and Jed Solomon next year.

With veterans Patrick Yu and Donn Lim completing their duties, Napa stressed that he will rely on the leadership of his core in Steve Nash Enriquez, Jake Figueroa, Jolo Manansala and Palacielo.

“Talagang inaantay ko na lang matapos yung high school para makapaglaro sila sa Bulldogs,” Napa continued.

“Given na ‘yon si Collins (Akowe), it’s up to us [kasi] local pa rin ‘yong hinahanap namin ‘eh na magsu-support sa mga nandito ngayon,” added Napa.