NEU Hunters secure first victory for the opening game of NAASCU Season 22, crushes MLQU Stallions, 88-74

New Era University Hunters sets a dominant start as a game opener for the season, defeating Manuel L. Quezon University Stallions with 88-74 in National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) Season 22 at the Cuneta Stardome, Pasay City on October 18, 2024.

NEU Hunters' James Manzano, No. 21, power forward, leads the team with a double-double performance as he scores 12 points and 10 rebounds, claiming the best player of the game title.

"Minentain lang namin yung depensa namin and less turn-over, more passing and communication lang talaga, nag-usap lang kami at syempre yung magandang depensa namin", Manzano, the best player of the game, said in an interview.

The Hunters started the game strongly with full defense, outscoring the Stallions heavily and ending the first period with a huge gap, locking it with 20-09.

The team is in advantage even until the end of the first half, giving the latter a very difficult time catching up with 46-29 in the second quarter.

On the other hand, MLQU slowly tries to get the momentum at the third quarter as they are able to close the gap with NEU, finishing it with 62-48, yet, still not enough to overtake the double digit space.

"No need for pressure, if they lose while playing the game with good and right habits, they still win," said MLQU Stallions head coach, Joshua Nicolas.

According to the Hunters' coach, Jay Agsalud, they are all still under process and improving day by day, all of them are an advantage to the team especially if they will exert teamwork.

The game becomes more intense in the fourth quarter as the Stallions try to come back in the first half of the fourth quarter, closing the distance with 71-62, however, the Hunters aim for a wire-to-wire dominant win and end the game with a huge double-digit margin, 88-74.

"Ang kanilang pagiging complacent ay nasa ulo na nila, bad habits can ruin their play. They need to expect the unexpected. Bilog ang bola, ika nga, kailangan maglaro din sila without looking at the scoreboard. Kaya sila nakalamang agad dahil nakapag-excecute sila ng magandang depensa," NEU Hunters' head coach, Agsalud stated.

The Hunters come back from the last season as they end with 4 wins and 5 loses, making it their goal for this season to establish an improved and better record than the last time.