By Jun Ray Navarres
National University solidified their hold on the top spot and moved closer to securing a coveted twice-to-beat advantage after escaping a gritty Far Eastern University squad, 70-64, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
In a tense back-and-forth affair, MVP contender Jake Figueroa ultimately delivered the decisive blow.
NU held a slim 53-48 lead entering the fourth quarter, only for FEU to immediately steal the momentum with a quick 8-0 run, seizing the lead, 56-53.
The seesaw battle continued until Figueroa sparked a critical 7-0 counter-streak for the Bulldogs with a powerful drive, pushing NU back in front, 65-59.
The Tamaraws refused to back down, closing the gap, 64-67 with only 1:43 left on the clock.
Unfortunately for them, Figueroa drained a clutch three-pointer with just over a minute left to effectively ice the game for the Bulldogs.
“Nakita ko lang ‘yung shot clock. ‘Yung tiwala kasi ni coach Jeff (Napa) sa akin parang sariling anak kumbaga. Nahihiya ako sa kanya kasi daming minuto na binibigay sa akin, pero kahit magkamali ako, sobrang laki ng tiwala niya sa akin, kaya ‘yung tira na ‘yun ay para sa kanila,” Figueroa said after finishing with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block.
National U’s defense held the Tamaraws to just 64 points, showcasing their league-leading ability to clamp down opponents in the half-court set.
PJ Palacielo provided key support for the Bulldogs off the bench, contributing 10 points. Paul Francisco added nine points while Jolo Manansala and Reinhard Jumamoy dropped eight points each.
Despite the performance, Napa wanted more from his guys.
“Sa game, siguro hindi pa rin gano’n kami ka-satisfied kasi alam na namin na ito ‘yung papasok ng last stretch. Mayroong challenge na tinatry to explain sa players na ito ‘yung challenge na kailangan mo abutin, ito ‘yung next level na kailangan niyo i-meet up para ‘yung next stage na gusto namin mangyari, magawa namin talaga ng tama,” he said.
The Bulldogs, who already secured the first Final Four spot, improved their record to 10-2, putting them on the verge of claiming a top-two finish. With struggling UE next on the list, it’s basically a lock in for the pride of Sampaloc.
The hard-fought loss, however, delivered a blow to the Tamaraws’ Final Four hopes, dropping their standing to 4-7.
Janrey Pasaol paced the gritty Tamaraws’ offense with a strong all-around performance of 15 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. Kirby Mongcopa chipped in 10 points.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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