NU Bulldogs finally get a win in UAAP Season 82
By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE streak of futilities of the National University Bulldogs in Season 82 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines finally ended on Wednesday after they defeated the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 61-39, in the first game of the league midweek offering at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Opened their campaign in the season with five straight defeats, NU notched its maiden victory, using an strong push in the second quarter and never looking back after.
Dave Ildefonso led a balanced attack by the Bulldogs with 20 points to go along with eight boards.
Migs Oczon chipped in nine points and seven rebounds, Shaun Ildefonso added eight points, six boards, and two steals, and Issa Gaye unfurled seven points, 13 rebounds, and one block for NU as it improved its record to 1-5.
Both teams struggled early in the match, fighting to a low 14-6 count at the end of the opening quarter.
Then NU pulled away in the second frame, outscoring FEU, 23-7, to go on top, 37-13, at the half.
The Bulldogs stretched their lead to 29 points, 44-15, in early goings of the 3rd quarter and from there they just stayed the course and did not allow the Tamaraws any traction for a comeback.
Barkley Ebona had a solid game for FEU with a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds but it was not enough to pull the Tamaraws, who shot a poor 19% from the field and an even worse percentage from beyond the arc of 7%.
Finally barged into the win column, NU coach Jamike Jarin heaved a huge sigh of relief and gave credit to his players for staying competitive despite their string of losses and heartbreaks.
“Before anything else, we’d like to thank God Almighty for giving us the victory, for making us still very competitive even [after] all the losses, we’re still here. The reason why I brought all these young men here because we win together, we lose together,” said Mr. Jarin following their breakthrough victory.
NU plays its final game of the first round on Sunday, Sept. 29, against the University of the East Red Warriors, who were battling the defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles as of this writing.
FEU (2-4), for its part, takes on next the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday, Sept. 28.
