MANILA, Philippines -- NU Coach Eric Altamirano pointed out La Salle’s size advantage as the key difference in their 57-55 loss to the Archers in the 77th season of the UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena Thursday.
"La Salle asserted themselves in the game. They were able to impose themselves. They really played big against us," said Altamirano.
The Bulldogs were down by two with 7.8 seconds left but Jason Perkins found a way to score inside to beat the shot clock buzzer.
"We won the rebounding pero yung last one minute, crucial yung offensive rebounds nila so in essence, gumana yung big man lineup nila against us," he added, noting that NU won the rebounding battle 43-40.
Despite suffering their first loss for the season, Altamirano believes the confidence of the Bulldogs has not wavered and that his team is still on the right track.
"Oo, andun pa naman yung confidence namin. May mga goals kami na si-net and we're still on target. Ang importante lang is the ability to bounce back from the loss," said the coach.
The Bulldogs dropped to a 2-1 card and will face a streaking Ateneo squad that remains undefeated in three games this season. Altamirano, for his part, hopes they will be able to prepare and come out strong against the Blue Eagles.
"Against Ateneo, we really have to come out to be tough and to be able to assert ourselves in the game," he said.
"It's a test of character for us. Whether it’s a won or lost game, doon nate-test yung ability to be mentally tough and bounce back," he ended.