Pat Yu makes it up for Bulldogs in OT vs Archers

MANILA, Philippines — NU cager Pat Yu was quick to atone for his hesitation late in regulation with five big points in overtime as the Bulldogs nipped the DLSU Green Archers, 80-77, in their UAAP Season 86 clash at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday.

After fumbling an open shot late in the fourth quarter that had NU head coach Jeff Napa chirping in his ear in a timeout, Yu regained his bearings in the extra period.

In a back-and-forth affair against La Salle, Yu went on a personal 5-0 run to break a 69-all deadlock and put NU ahead, 74-69, with 1:51 left.

“Napagalitan ako ni coach. Kasi may isang play, yun nga, di ko tinira. Kaya pagtime-out noon, sabi ni coach, tira mo, kaya nga nasa loob ka eh. Kasi pinapatira talaga ako eh. Kaya ayun, [nung overtime], open ako, tinitira ko, ” he said after the game.

Napa expressed relief at Yu’s newfound confidence in overtime, which ultimately led them to victory and climb to second in the standings with their 4-1 slate.

“Yun naman sinasabi ko sa kanila, kapag libre, eh walang isip-isip. Syempre yun lang naman. Lahat naman ng mga 'to, walang bawal eh. Talagang kailangan mo lang panindigan,” said the tactician.

Napa said he gave Yu a tongue lashing because his teammates had worked together to get him those shots, only for him to pass up the opportunity.

But after a resurgent performance when it mattered most, Napa hopes his young gun can keep it going for the rest of the tournament. 

“Yun nga, napunta siya sa sitwasyon kasi, ang daming nang tumutulong tapos para ibigay sakanya, wala nang ibang gagawin kundi itira niya yun. At least, naka-tsamba siya nung last five minutes,” said Napa. 

“Despite na, kasi, eto, meron siyang injury to eh. So, still recovering. Hindi ganun ma-full blast yung full potential so hopefully, come into the second round, healthy na talaga siya.”

NU collides with hosts UE Red Warriors next on Wednesday, October 18, still at the MOA Arena.