Bulldogs snap 3-game losing streak, hand Maroons another loss
By Maxine Louise Lagman
8 October 2017
The National University ends its three-game losing skid after defeating University of the Philippines, 77-70, Sunday in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With the win, the Bulldogs improved to a 3-4 card to tie with the Fighting Maroons at the fifth spot behind the Far Eastern University.
Matt Salem, who had kept quiet all throughout the season due to rough outings, finally stepped out of his comfort zone and led the Bulldogs to victory after finishing with his season-high double-double 21 points and 10 rebounds, along with Issa Gaye, who chipped in 13 points and eight rebounds.
“I just want to commend the fighting heart of these two young men seated beside me, Gaye and Salem,” said coach Jamike Jarin. “I personally have no choice to describe these young men and they’re a big factor in today’s victory. UP fought really hard and we were in a situation where we needed a win.”
With 7:55 left in the fourth quarter, starting point guard Jun Manzo sprained his right ankle that injured the Fighting Maroons inside the court.
Jjay Alejandro led NU to a 7-2 rally to escape a 60-all knot as Salem knocked down a triple from the corner. Gaye then knocked down freebies to have a 70-65 lead with three minutes left in the game.
Fighting Maroons’ Paul Desiderio knocked down another triple and a goaltending error by Gaye on Ibrahim Outtara’s shot tied the game once again at 70-all.
However, the Bulldogs were not tamed enough to give up easily as Alejandro shot the go-ahead basket and Salem shot another corner triple to cap off the win.
Alejandro added 12 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
Desiderio, on the other hand, led UP with 15 points, while Diego Dario added 11.
Javi Gomez de Liano chipped in 10 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Outtara had six points and 18 rebounds in the losing effort.
