Embattled NU needs miracle run

National U coach Eric Altamirano hopes the embattled Bulldogs can work their way to another “miraculous ending” like their successful championship drive last season.

The Bulldogs are currently fifth in the standings with 5-7 and they need to sweep their remaining games against University of the Philippines and pacesetting Far Eastern U and hope that fourth-running La Salle (5-6) won’t reach eight wins for a chance for a playoff for the last semis berth.

“We mentioned during one of our team meetings that we’ve been here before, there’s no reason why we can’t do it again,” said Altamirano, recalling how the Bulldogs worked their way up to break a 60-year title drought in 2014.

“But I think this season, we have to make our own miracle. It’s a lot harder but I always believe everything happens for a purpose. If it’s going to build our character, so be it,” he added.

The Archers can pull the plug on Bulldogs’ comeback plans by beating Ateneo, UP and FEU.

“We have three tough games (left) but I think it doesn’t really matter how NU closes their last two games. We just have to take care of our own business and be in control of what we can control,” said DLSU mentor Juno Sauler.

The Tams (10-1) and second-running University of Santo Tomas Tigers (9-2) are already entrenched in the Final Four and have already shifted their targets to the twice-to-beat-incentives. Third-running Ateneo is on the threshold with 7-4, two games clear of the Archers and the Bulldogs.

Joint sixth University of the East and UP, toting identical 3-7 cards, are mathematically still in the chase, too, and could gatecrash the party.

The leaders and pursuers look to take advantage of the league’s one-week break to recharge, tweak, and fine-tune things before they resume their respective bids.