By Jun Ray Navarres
National University solidified their hold on the top spot after dispatching the slumping Ateneo de Manila University, 66-50, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
NU, now boasting a league-best 7-2 record, relied on a ferocious fourth-quarter defense and the all-around brilliance of senior Jake Figueroa to send Ateneo (4-5) crashing to a fifth straight loss despite starting the season with a promising 4-0.
Figueroa showcased a dominant two-way performance, notching an impressive 17 points alongside 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block.
“Given si Jake Figueroa. I need someone na talagang mag-i-step up to become a leader talaga para at least mag-stabilize kami talaga sa loob ng court,” shared NU head coach Jeff Napa.
The contest started tight, ending in a 30-30 deadlock at the half but Ateneo came out stronger with a 6-0 run in the third quarter, anchored by Kymani Ladi’s mid-range jumpers, building an eight-point cushion, 40-32.
However, that lead evaporated quickly as Ateneo suffered a painful scoring drought for the remainder of the third period, allowing NU to unleash a 14-0 counter run that flipped the script, giving the Bulldogs a 46-40 lead heading into the final frame.
The narrative stayed the same on the Q4 as NU capitalized on their size in the paint, tallying a total of 34 inside points.
Figueroa took charge, attacking the basket and keeping Ateneo’s defense scrambling. The Bulldogs’ momentum-seizing run was capped by a crucial three-pointer from Reinhard Jumamoy and a three-point play from Kenshin Padrones, extending the lead to 57-44 and essentially putting the game out of reach.
“Nag-respond sila doon sa nangyari sa amin against UP. Credit sa team ko, hindi na sa akin ‘yun, sila na yan eh. Sila na ‘yung gumawa ng paraan,” said Napa.
Support came from Steve Nash Enriquez, Jumamoy, and Jolo Manansala, who each contributed 8 points.
For the struggling Blue Eagles, Ladi led the scoring with 12 points but shot a poor 5-of-14 from the field. Andrew Bongo added 9 points and 9 rebounds.
The loss marks the worst five-game slump for the Blue Eagles under head coach Tab Baldwin, a stark contrast to their perfect start.
Ateneo will have to find a way to halt their skid and fight their way back into the Final Four picture as they face struggling UE next week.
The Sampaloc-representatives, on the other hand, hopes to continue streak against De La Salle University next Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
Featured image courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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