UP FORWARD HARRIS’ TECHNICAL FOUL HELPED NU IMPROVE THEIR GAME
By Maxine Louise Lagman
1 October 2016
Harris’ technical foul helped NU improve their game
IT WAS a crucial point in the third period. The struggling University of the Philippines (UP) was almost closing in with National University (NU) when Maroons Andrew Harris committed a foul on Mohammad Salim.
With Salim unable to take the free throw shots, Matthew Salem instead took the ball and scored. However, Harris was called for a technical foul due to resentment to the call afterwards, which led Salem to take another shot in the free throw line. With a lead on their side, NU continued their streak and capped off the game, 80-69 on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Very crucial talaga ‘yung nangyaring technical foul sa third. From that, we were able to score as much as 16 points. So, malaking bagay sa amin yun,” said NU Coach Eric Altamirano.
Four minutes left in the fourth, Andres Desiderio led UP to dash after NU and closed the score to 59-57. However, Salem and JV Gallego scored back-to-back points which placed NU in an 11-point lead, 70-59.
Jett Manuel rained three’s with last two minutes remaining, but was not able to close in with NU.
Altamirano pointed out that he knew UP was going to be a tough team to play against with. “I reminded the boys, especially after the first half, that (UP) was capable of going back. They showed that in the other games,” he added.
NU, despite a rocky defensive play in the second half, was able to outdo UP in offense, 28-23.
After a stellar game performance with a career-high 28 points and 7 rebounds, Salem said that he has to give it to his teammates.
“The team has been working hard. My performance was well, but I wouldn’t have played like that if it wasn’t for my teammates. They had a big role in it,” Salem added.
Jess Diputado added 12 points for NU, while Gallego stepped up his game with 12 points and 5 rebounds.
Fighting maroons Manuel had 21 points, 4 rebounds.
Desiderio added 11 points, 5 assists and 7 rebounds.
NU climbs up to 4-2 in the UAAP standings and is set to face Far Eastern University (FEU) on Wednesday.
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