National University aims to prove its 3-0 start is far from being a fluke when it takes on reigning champion University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Saturday, Oct. 4.
Relishing a splendid start to the season to bounce back from last year’s struggles, the Bulldogs face another stern test against a Fighting Maroons side eager to establish their footing following a rocky start to their title defense.
Game time is at 4:30 p.m., after the opening men’s action that will feature a showdown between University of Santo Tomas and University of the East at 2 p.m.
NU head coach Jeff Napa is refusing to be carried away by the hot start especially with the teams looming clash against UP.
“We need to prepare right away. We need to shift our focus against UP. So, this is W. Thank you. Bless kami,” said Napa. “Pero, ‘yon nga, we have to move on. We have to move forward right away.”
Starring in their 76-69 stunner against the Tigers were Jake Figueroa and Omar John and the two will try to duplicate their performance to help the Bulldogs seize a solo lead in the standings.
“I just want to win, because I trust them. I have a winner mindset,” said John. “But now, I understand after winning I have to put aside my tantrums, my ego, and just stick to the game plan.”
UP, however, tries to spoil the fun for the Sampaloc-based squad with Noy Remogat seemingly finally finding his groove after a 21-point, 11-assist, seven-rebound statline against his former school UE, 92-75.
Remogat spearheads State U alongside Gerry Abadiano, Francis Nnoruka, Gani Stevens, and Jacob Bayla as they look to make it back-to-back wins for the Maroons.
Meanwhile, Akowe has his chance to redeem himself after a quiet act against his high school team NU when UST tries to rebound against the winless UE.
Easier said than done however as Precious Momowei is surely determined to lift the Red Warriors to the win column.
It is also an exciting contest between guards John Abate and Forthsky Padrigao as well as scorers Wello Lingolingo and Nic Cabañero.
In women’s basketball, UE and UST make the afternoon more spice up the afternoon in their 12 noon duel, while UP and NU close it out with their 7 p.m. showpiece. For 16U games, UE and UST open the day at 7:30 a.m., followed by a 9:30 a.m. meeting between UP and NU.
