Bulldogs don’t bark, they bite

National University rode high on a fiery final-half attack to beat Far Eastern U, 73-64, for the first time in eight years in UAAP men’s basketball yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Edwin Asoro and Jonathan Fernandez bucked injuries and fuelled the Bulldogs’ decisive onslaught that carried the team to the surprise win over the reigning champion Tamaraws now reeling with three straight defeats.

It’s FEU’s worst start in a season after opening the 1996 campaign with two straight defeats.

Former FEU star mainstay Arwind Santos was helpless on the gallery as the Bulldogs cut loose from a tight game in the third quarter and went on to clinch their first win in three games in the season.

The Bulldogs broke into the win-column this season at the expense of the Tamaraws, whom they last defeated in 1998 behind a team built around Lordy Tugade.

Asoro had 20 points and 14 rebounds while Fernandez, who sat out a game due to an ankle sprain suffered against Ateneo, added 16 points.

"The players just wanted to gain respect for the school," said NU coach Manny Dandan, whose squad posted a poor 1-13 win-loss card last season.

With the win, the Bulldogs are likely to come out with renewed confidence against the University of the East Warriors on Thursday.

"As long as you play with heart, nothing is impossible," said Dandan, looking forward to nail a second straight win against the Warriors.

The Bulldogs came through with a 19-2 blast to turn a 48-50 deficit to a 62-51 advantage which they kept to the finish to register the giant-sized win.

Jonathan Jahnke scored 11 points as NU kept the game close in the opening period which ended at 18-all.

But the Tams outscored the Bulldogs in the second period, 19-8, to erect a 37-26 lead at the break.

Scoreless in the first half, Fernandez struck with seven points as NU fought back in the third. He later teamed up with Asoro in completing the win for the Bulldogs.