MANILA – Jake Figueroa powered National University to its third straight win in UAAP Season 88, sinking the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 76-69, on Wednesday night at the UST QPav in a duel of early contenders.
The Bulldogs, who trailed 66-67 after a layup by Tigers guard Mark Llemit, seized control late as Gelo Santiago and Figueroa delivered back-to-back baskets for a 70-67 advantage.
UST’s Nicael Cabañero threatened with a jumper that cut the gap to 69-70, but Figueroa answered with a cold-blooded three-pointer. Santiago and Steve Nash Enriquez then iced the game from the free-throw line to secure NU’s hold on the top spot.
Figueroa finished with 22 points, while Omar John and PJ Palacielo added 10 apiece as the Bulldogs tied Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles at 3-0.
Cabañero carried UST with 19 points, followed by Amiel Acido with 18. Llemit and Rence Padrigao contributed 14 and 10 markers, respectively, as the Tigers slid to 2-1 after opening the season with back-to-back victories.
In the other game, the De La Salle University Green Archers survived Far Eastern University Tamaraws’ furious rallies to prevail, 74-72, and join UST at 2-1.
Andrei Dungo led La Salle with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, while Mason Amos, Jacob Cortez, and EJ Gollena each chipped in 14.
The Archers nearly squandered a seven-point lead in the second half, allowing FEU to pull within two on a Jorick Bautista triple.
Bautista later had a chance to tie the game but missed a layup, enabling La Salle to escape.
Janrey Pasaol posted a game-high 25 points, five rebounds, and a block for the Tamaraws, who remained winless at 0-3./PN
