National University head coach Jeff Napa (left) and De La Salle University head coach Topex Robinson in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Final 4. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — National University has bid goodbye to its twice-to-beat edge in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Final 4, but all hope is not lost for Jeff Napa.
“Positive pa rin naman, kasi may game pa rin sa Sabado, so we’ll just try to fix our mistakes,” the long-time Bulldogs mentor said after their 87–77 loss to De La Salle University on Wednesday.
The top-seeded Bulldogs were pushed to their limit, with a full-strength Green Archers squad dominating them by as many as 17, but Napa said that it was mental toughness which proved to be the difference between the two teams.
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“We have to control our emotions better,” said Napa, noting how La Salle had an answer every time the Bulldogs attempted to crawl back. “Hopefully, matuto sila sa ngayon.”
Aside from their 17 errors, National U also found itself at a disadvantage on the boards, 32–45, as well as in second-chance points, 7–13.
But instead of lambasting his men, Napa is taking the high road, urging them to correct their mistakes even with La Salle now holding the momentum.
“Ang kailangan naming intindihin ay kung paano iha-handle yung ganitong situation, paano iha-handle yung ganitong challenge,” he said. “May challenge na kailangang tapusin, so ang importante sa amin, we play as a team.”