The NU Bulldogs opened their campaign in the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Sunday with a 70-64 victory over reigning UAAP champion La Salle Green Archers at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Under the steady guidance of coach Jeff Napa, the new‑look Bulldogs displayed a balanced attack that showcased a dynamic convergence between rookies and veterans.
Vicious Bite from the Bulldogs
Led by top dogs Reinhard Jumamoy, PJ Palacielo, and Justine Garcia, who combined well with new faces Carl Max Alfanta, and Dejay Alconsay, NU delivered significant firepower. Meanwhile, Ken Padrones and Mohamed Diassana anchored the team’s strong defensive effort inside the paint throughout the game.
Jumamoy put the finishing touches on NU’s opening‑day shocker, calmly sinking six free throws in the final minute to finish with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, holding off La Salle’s late rallies.
Diassana logged 9 points and 11 rebounds, Palacielo registered 8 points and 6 boards, and Laconsay contributed 8 points and 2 rebounds.
The game highlighted NU’s depth and discipline, especially in crucial moments when the Green Archers attempted to close the gap. Coach Topex Robinson and his squad appeared out of sync, unable to establish momentum across all four quarters. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs built on their defensive intensity and effective rotation, proving they are more than capable of competing against top‑tier opponents this preseason.
Misfiring Green Archers
La Salle struggled to find rhythm and consistency for most of the match.
Despite a having a glimmer of hope after Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez each knocked down two three‑pointers to spark a comeback, La Salle still failed to overcome NU’s stranglehold on the contest.
The absence of Vhoris Marasigan was felt on both ends, as Team Taft lacked its usual fluid ball movement and defensive toughness. Luis Pablo, JC Macalalad, and Doy Dungo didn’t make a strong impact either, contributing sporadically in short bursts that came too far apart. Even the returning Seven Gagate struggled.
New Beginning for NU
In some ways, NU’s victory was a statement win, proof that the Bulldogs could be serious contenders in UAAP Season 89. But Napa downplayed it, opting instead to preach the value of learning and continuous improvement.
“Hindi naman dapat na statement win ito eh,” said coach Jeff Napa, downplaying the result as the Bulldogs usher in a new era without top guns Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Jolo Manansala. “We’re starting a new season, a new generation for this team, so we just keep learning and implementing our system.”
Other Opening‑Day Results
Mapua Cardinals 87, LPU Pirates 66
UP Fighting Maroons 82, UST Growling Tigers 78
