Bulldogs carry unbeaten streak into Fil-Oil quarterfinals
Ferocious. Tenacious. Dangerous.
That’s how the full-bite Bulldogs of National University have been playing for the second straight season of the Filoil-Flying V Hanes Pre-season Cup where they swept their eight-game schedule in the eliminations round.
To date, the Bulldogs are on a 19-game winning streak in the prestigious summer collegiate league, having wielded the big broom last season en route to the title at the expense of equally-young De La Salle University Green Archers.
Thanks to the massive build-up sparked by the entry of the wealthy Sy family, the Bulldogs have clearly shed the tag as the “whipping boys” in the UAAP men’s cage wars and returned to the Final Four last season–their first trip since the 2001.
Now armed with more bite than bark, the Bulldogs will be one of the teams to beat when the UAAP Season 76 comes off the wraps on July 29.
As expected, reigning two-time UAAP men’s basketball MVP Ray-Ray Parks Jr. continues the lead the charge for the Bulldogs, posting staggering game-averages of 17.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks.
RELATED: Bulldogs still unbeaten in Fil-Oil thanks to an inspired Parks
While former UAAP Mythical Team member Emmanuel Mbe continues to recuperate from an injury, his fellow Cameroon native, rookie Alfred Aroga has proven to be a genuine force for NU and a perfect complement for the 6-foot-4 Parks.
The 6-foot-6 Aroga has held his own against his more heralded African counterparts, collecting 11.1 rebounds and swatting 2.0 attempts while scoring 15.9 points per game.
Providing ample support offensively for Parks Jr. and Aroga are sophomore forward Jeth Rosario (8.3 points), former U-18 standout Jay Alejandro (6.9) and veteran Dennice Villamor (6.4).
After posting just a 4.2 margin of victory in its first five games against reigning NCAA titlist San Beda, Adamson, St. Benilde, Jose Rizal University and Far Eastern U, National University shifted to second gear as it closed out the eliminations in dominant fashion.
Having found their dreaded form coupled with a lighter sked, the Bulldogs whipped University of Perpetual Help Dalta-System 94-65, trounced Arellano U 86-71 and cruised past University of the Philippines 71-52 to post an eye-popping marginal of victory average of 21 points.
RELATED: Beefed-up Green Archers looking to make some noise in Season 76
As of posting time, the Bulldogs are wrapping up their off-season training camp in Perth, Australia.
And with the way they play in the summer league, National University is surely in for another remarkable run in Season 76.
