The NU Bulldogs’ win over the UP Fighting Maroons was less an upset than a confirmation of what carried the Bulldogs to the top seed in last season’s eliminations: a system built on shared scoring and responsibility. 

That formula held up again at the MoA Arena on September 26, as NU beat the previously unbeaten Fighting Maroons, 72-64, a result that ran directly against how both teams were expected to perform entering the season. UP had been installed as a title favorite after reloading its roster with transferees, while NU was widely expected to take a step back after losing several veterans from that title-contending group.

The Bulldogs made their intentions clear from the opening possessions, using a 9-0 run fueled by Mac Alfanta, Mo Diassana, and Paul Francisco to set the tone. By the end of the first quarter, NU led 25-12, and while UP settled into the game over the next two periods, that early gap never fully closed.

UP’s best chance to come back came early in the third quarter, when the Fighting Maroons trimmed the deficit to six, 40-34, at the 7:38 mark. However, Francisco answered immediately, scoring back-to-back baskets that ignited a 16-8 run to close the period and put NU firmly back in control. UP never came quite close again; NU’s lead swelled to as many as 18 points in the fourth quarter before a late rally brought the final margin down to a more respectable eight.

Veteran Reinhard Jumamoy’s line encapsulated why NU’s formula works. He finished with a team-high 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, though he shot just 4 of 18 from the field. Though his shot was not falling, he still managed to set the tempo of the game and focused on distributing to teammates which is how Alfanta, Francisco, Diassana, and Palacielo were able to combine for 43 points among them–Alfanta scored 13, Francisco 11, Diassana 10, and Palacielo 9 chipped in off the bench.

That balance is precisely what has made NU so difficult to prepare for. They spread the workload so evenly–even more than they did last season–that no single defensive scheme can slow them down on its own.

This result was no fluke — it was the product of an approach the Bulldogs have already proven, over the years, can win them enough games to make the Final Four. NU must now be treated as a serious Final Four contender, especially after a win this significant.