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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Bulldogs expect tougher challenge in UAAP second round

Bulldogs expect tougher challenge in UAAP second round

Published Oct 20, 2025 04:16 pm

At A Glance

  • John and Figueroa formed a lethal 1-2 punch for the Bulldogs who sit atop the standings with a 6-1 record at the conclusion of the first round.
NU Bulldogs are on a roll heading into the second round of the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament. (UAAP Media)
NU Bulldogs are on a roll heading into the second round of the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament. (UAAP Media)
With the return of Gambian center Omar John and the steady leadership of go-to guy Jake Figueroa, National University looks formidable as ever in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament.
John and Figueroa formed a lethal 1-2 punch for the Bulldogs who sit atop the standings with a 6-1 record at the conclusion of the first round.
After losing its foreign student-athlete Mo Diassana to an injury in its very first game in Season 87, NU got into big trouble competing against the league's giants and eventually finished the eliminations with a 5-9 slate.
Despite the obvious improvements this year, head coach Jeff Napa urged his players to keep themselves sharp coming into the second round.
“Number one, good win for us Pero wala naman kaming pakialam kung nasaan man kami ngayon, ang importante kasi sa amin, how we perform every game,” said Napa after they beat the Ateneo Blue Eagles in overtime, 71-66, last weekend.
“Hindi namin iniisip kung ano ‘yong [posisyon namin ngayon], ang importante, ‘yong growth ng mga players,” he added. “As long as we compete day in, day out… It will pave the way for us… ‘yong second round, nandiyan lang sa tabi-tabi ‘yan”
The Sampaloc-based squad is having a spectacular showing after it listed two three-game win streaks to start the season, leading host University of Santo Tomas (5-2), UP (4-3), La Salle (4-3), and Ateneo (4-3) for the No. 1 spot in the standings.
The only dent to their record was a 66-59 loss to the Maroons last Oct. 4.
Figueroa expects a tougher challenge for the Bulldogs in the second round.
“‘Walang easy win sa second round… Kailangan namin mag-adjust sa lahat, halos lahat naman willing to step up naman,” said Figueroa.
NU shoots for its fourth straight win and seventh overall when it faces UP on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Mall of Asia Arena.

Related Tags

Jake Figueroa NU Bulldogs Jeff Napa UAAP Season 88
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