UAAP: NU coach Eric Altamirano happy to see alma mater UP break losing spell

National University slid down to second place in the UAAP standings after bowing to Far Eastern University, 71-62. Prior to the game, the Bulldogs shared the top spot with Ateneo de Manila University with just one loss.

Now the Bulldogs are just half a game ahead of the Tamaraws and defending champion De La Salle University, finishing the first round with a 5-2 slate.

"I told the team that we cannot play as if we're the number one team. Kasi one loss could put you down," NU head coach Eric Altamirano told reporters after the game.

The opposite could be said of Altamirano's alma mater University of the Philippines, especially in context of their earlier win against Adamson that snapped a 27-game losing streak: one win could put you up.

The so-called "battle of the winless" was treated as if it was a championship game - that is, an even matchup between fellow cellar-dwellers.

That one win was especially important for the Fighting Maroons, a team who suffered three winless seasons.

Apparently, NU could learn something if they place themselves in UP's shoes.

"We should always think that we're at the bottom of the standings when we play," Altamirano said.

"Going to the second round dapat 'yung mind set namin should have that sense of urgency every game."

The Bulldogs found themselves down by as much as 20 points against the Tamaraws, a hurdle which proved to be too much to handle despite their end-game spurt.

"Sometimes kasi syempre when you're on top there's a tendency to be complacent and tendency na akala mo magaling ka na," said the coach.

Altamirano, who played for UP's only championship team in the UAAP in 1986, was reminded of NU's humble beginnings through the Maroons.

"I'm happy for UP for getting that win. [It's] so frustrating to lose many games," Altamirano said. "NU used to be there 'di ba, so we feel for them."

"I feel for them because I'm from UP."

The coach said that the bonfire celebration, which the Maroons held after the game to celebrate their victory, will fire up the players and the community. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, will keep their own flame burning.

"We want to bounce back from this loss. Na-test 'yung character namin ngayon to respond to a loss like this," said Altamirano. - RAF, GMA News