Bullpups smother Brigadiers in Filoil caging

MANILA, Philippines - National University recovered from its first game setback as it blasted Emilio Aguinaldo College, 79-65, in the juniors division of the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Invitational Cup at The Arena in San Juan over the weekend.

The Bullpups employed a pressing defense to baffle the Brigadiers while unleashing a torrid scoring run in the second half to win pulling away and bounce back from their loss to the University of Perpetual Help Altalettes the first time out.

“The boys were fresh from a championship in the Fr. Martin’s Cup so they became overconfident,” said NU coach Jeff Napa. “I reminded them that every time we play, we must always be prepared.”

In the second game, the SSC-R Golden Staglets used a strong start to trounce the Arellano University Braves, 91-76.

“This is the team that we would soon be facing in the NCAA. So this is a good start for us,” said SSC-R coach Raymond Valenzona.

The Bullpups held the Brigadiers scoreless for three minutes in the second period and went on a shooting spree to sit on a 14-point cushion, 35-21.

But the Brigadiers came back from their first half slump and made a big fourth quarter rally that saw them cut the lead down to nine with five minutes left in the game.

The Bullpups, however, simply repulsed the uprising by rifling in six triples, courtesy of Roque Estoce, Raphael Atangan and Kevin Lara, for their runaway victory in the tournament dubbed the Badolato Cup, held in honor of the San Beda’s multi-titled coach Ato Badolato.

“We relied on our full court press. It was a strategy that we were trying to conceal to avoid scouting from other teams. But we had to win so I had no other choice,” said Napa.