'We got lucky': Bulldogs downplay lofty ranking

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite grabbing the solo second spot in UAAP Season 86 basketball play, the NU Bulldogs are shrugging it off.

NU’s 80-77 overtime victory over the La Salle Green Archers made the Bulldogs the No. 2 team in the standings with a 4-1 slate.

La Salle, meanwhile, dropped to 3-2.

After the game, NU head coach Jeff Napa frankly said that the team “does not care” about their standing.

“First of all, we do not care about our standing. What we care about is, especially the players, how they perform,” Napa told reporters in Filipino.

NU is just behind the undefeated UP Fighting Maroons in the standings.

The Bulldogs won their first two games against the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the FEU Tamaraws, before running into the wall that is UP.

He underscored that the team has to perform well especially against big teams such as La Salle.

“Coming from big opponents, we have to be competitive. We have to unleash our A game and our usual approach should be seen,” the coach said.

Before the NU match, La Salle won two straight.

“So we got lucky. La Salle is a very strong team. Good thing was, when pushed to their limit, the players held on,” Napa added.

The Bulldogs will be facing the UE Red Warriors on Wednesday.