25 September 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – National University ended its slump and clinched their first win in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament at the expense of Far Eastern University, 61-39, on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bulldogs strong offense and defense were too much for the Tamaraws as FEU were limited to only 13 points in the first half, and ended the match on a 22-point deficit, which is their lowest output in the UAAP tournament since 2003.
FEU’s Barkley Ebona tried to lift his team in the second half, but NU proved too strong for them. Tams could only inch within 18 points in the last six minutes of the game, 49-31, but JV Gallego’s three-pointer returned a comfortable 21-point lead to NU.
NU forced FEU to commit 11 turnovers that turned into 10 NU points, as the Tamaraws also missed 30 of their 36 field goals on an 18.99% shooting.
“Everytime we win, sila ang bida, hindi ako,” said NU head coach Jamike Jarine, who brought with him his entire team during the post-game interview. “They deserve all the credit.”
Dave Ildefonso once again led NU with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Migs Oczon and Shaun Ildefonso combined for 17 markers. Issa Gaye added seven points and 13 boards as they improved to a 1-5 win-loss record.
“Sobrang happy kami kasi we got our first win,” Oczon said. “We just executed ‘yung mga pinapagawa ng mga coaches namin.”
On the other hand, Ebona paced FEU with a double-double record of 17 points and 12 rebounds as they dropped to a 2-4 slate.
The Scores:
NU 61 — D. Ildefonso 20, Oczon 9, S. Ildefonso 8, Gaye 7, Clemente 6, Gallego 3, Joson 3, Yu 3, Mosqueda 2, Diputado 0, Galinato 0, Malonzo 0, Mangayao 0, Minerva 0, Rangel 0, Tibayan 0.
FEU 39 — Ebona 17, Stockton 7, Nunag 5, Gonzales 4, Bienes 2, Comboy 2, Tempra 2, Alforque 0, Bayquin 0, Cani 0, Celzo 0, Mantua 0, Tchuente 0, Torres 0, Tuffin 0.
Quarter scores: 14-6, 37-13, 47-24, 61-39.
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