Coach Jeff Napa turns emotional as NU ends UAAP Season 85 campaign

It was a bittersweet ending for National University. 

The Bulldogs returned to the Final Four after missing the playoffs for seven seasons and finished third in UAAP Season 85 with nine wins and five losses.

However, the Bulldogs fell short against the no. 2-seeded University of the Philippines, 69-61, in their Final Four game on Wednesday.

For NU head coach Jeff Napa, the players proved something in their performance.

“Pinrove n’yo na hindi kayo losers,” Napa said while turning emotional.

NU head coach Jeff Napa turns emotional: Na-prove n’yo sa ibang tao na ‘di kayo losers #UAAPSeason85 @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/gjWB2H0b8t

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) December 7, 2022

"We turned around the things na dati kaming losers, now we became winners na," Napa added. "Maybe next year, you should be ready na kasi hindi na kayo babasta-bastahin. Ilo-look up na kayo as contenders."

With the UP win, the Fighting Maroons booked a ticket to the Finals and will wait for the winner of the Ateneo de Manila-Adamson series.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News