By Jun Ray Navarres
National University stunned the favored University of the Philippines, 67-47 to keep their Final Four bid alive in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball tournament, Sunday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Bulldogs bite back to end their three-game losing skid with a crucial win against the Fighting Maroons of Katipunan. They now tie with Ateneo de Manila University at 3-8, trailing University of Santo Tomas by two games.
“Finally, nakuha namin ‘yong panalo namin sa second round. Finally, at least sa araw ng patay, nabuhay lahat ng mga player ko kahit papaano they delivered kung ano ‘yong kailangan naming gawin then they really enjoyed kung ano ‘yong ginagawa namin talaga,” said Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa.
NU began the game on a scorching hot streak, with Lenard Santiago and Patrick Yu providing a significant spark off the bench while also limiting UP to just 3-of-15 from the field and 1-of-6 from the stripe. They held the Fighting Maroons to just eight points in the first stanza.
The guys from Katipunan, known for their ability to claw back from sluggish beginnings, were unable to replicate their heroics against a disciplined National University side.
The Bulldogs dictated the tempo of the game, limiting UP’s offensive opportunities and forcing them to shoot a dismal percentage from the field, resulting in a season-low 47-point total.
Captain Yu finally stepped up for NU with five triples to tally 17 points while pillar Jake Figueroa provided 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
“Sabi ni coach Jeff sa amin mag-enjoy lang kami, alam naman natin ‘yong UP is a strong team, better team kaya thankful kami na nanalo kami,” said Figueroa.
A victory against fourth-ranked UST on Wednesday could revitalize NU’s playoff aspirations and propel them towards a postseason berth.
Meanwhile for UP, only Aldous Torculas posted double-digit scoring with 13 points. JD Cagulangan struggled from the field, shooting only 3-of-13 for eight points.
The Fighting Maroons hope to bounce back against a tall order of De La Salle University on Sunday.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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