Former Bulldogs Ildefonso, Tugade still believe NU could win
Be more aggressive offensively and relentless defensively.
That’s what the National U Bulldogs need to do in Game 2 on Wednesday if they intend to keep their titles hopes alive against the Far Eastern U Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tournament, according to former team stars Danny Ildefonso and Lordy Tugade.
After seeing NU waste an early 12-point lead and succumb to pressure in the stretch that led to a 70-75 setback in Game 1, spoiling the school’s return to the finals after 44 years, both Ildefonso and Tugade remained positive about the Bulldogs’ chances in the best-of-three series as long as they will make the necessary adjustments in time.
“Kailngan nila i-improve ‘yung transition defense,” said the 6-foot-6 Ildefonso, a former two-time MVP in the pro ranks who intently watched from the patron side along with his family.
The 6-foot-3 Tugade, a notable gunner during his heydays, offered the same observation. “Maganda ipinakita nila nu’ng first quarter kaso lumuwag ang depensa nila after that,” he noted. “Tsaka kailangan rin nilang maging mas aggressive sa opensa.”
However, Ildefonso and Tugade, both proud natives of Pangasinan, could not help but be envy of the solid support being enjoyed by the current Bulldogs, something they have failed to experience when they were carrying the school’s colors in mid 90’s.
“Malaki talaga ang pinagkaiba noong time namin sa NU sa ngayon. Mayroon silang (top-class) gym ngayon tapos mayroon pa sila Boss Hans Sy of (SM Prime Holdings Inc.). Halos kumpleto na sila ngayon,” stressed Ildefonso. “Kung napaaga ang pasok nila Mr. Hans Sy sa NU, baka nakapag-champion pa kami. Ganito rin kasi kami dati kaso kulang lang talaga sa budget.”
Like Ildefonson, Tugade, who is now tending to his poultry farm business in his home province, lamented how their squad failed to reach the Last Dance despite trying hard and giving their best during their playing years in the UAAP.
“‘Sayang lang kasi nu’ng time namin hindi namin narating ‘to,” said Tugade. “Pero very proud pa rin ako as an alumnae kasi after 44 years, nakapasok sila sa finals.”
The Bulldogs’ inexperience in the biggest stage and their failure to settle their nerves from the charity stripe, notably in the pivotal half when they muffed 13 tries, did them in, according to Tugade. “Ang dami nilang minintis na free throws. Siguro kasama na du’n ‘yung excitement. Tsaka mas may (championship) experience lang ‘yung kabila (FEU),” he noted.
But the two former pro league cagers are confident the Bulldogs can bounce back on Game 2—and, hopefully, go all the way in their bid of snapping the school’s 60-year title drought.
"Positive pa rin ako na magkaka-Game 3 basta ma-correct lang nila ang mga mistakes nila,” said Ildefonso, who intends to give the Bulldogs some words of encouragement if he could be given a chance.
“Malaki pa rin naman ang chance nila makabalik. Andito na sila. Kailangan lang makabawi muna sa Game 2,” added Tugade.
