MANILA – National University (NU) Bulldogs tightened their grip on the UAAP Season 88 lead behind a scorching shooting display from Steve Nash Enriquez, who powered the team to a 75-67 triumph over the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Enriquez caught fire from beyond the arc, drilling all four of his three-point attempts en route to a 16-point performance that kept the Bulldogs steady against a determined late-game surge from the Archers.
Paul Francisco added 14 points, while big man Omar John turned in an all-around effort of 12 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and two steals as NU improved to 8-2 for solo leadership.
“It’s about how we perform every game. It’s about how we put effort every game. It’s how we improve every game. Good thing everybody stepped up,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa, commending his squad’s consistency and depth.
La Salle cut NU’s lead to five, 69-64, after free throws from Jacob Cortez and Mike Phillips in the closing minutes, but Enriquez quickly extinguished their hopes with a dagger triple that restored a safe cushion. Mark Parks then sealed the outcome with a reverse layup for a 74-67 lead with 46.9 seconds left.
Cortez led DLSU with 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Earl Abadam scored 13, while Phillips posted a double-double of 11 points and 10 boards, and Luis Pablo chipped in 10 as the Archers slipped to 5-4.
In the day’s second game, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws outlasted the Adamson University Falcons, 73-70, in overtime to halt the Falcons’ streak. Jorick Bautista paced FEU with 12 points, while Rey Allen Torres spearheaded Adamson with 24 points in the loss./PN
BOX SCORES
NU 75 – Enriquez 16, Francisco 14, John 12, Parks 7, Figueroa 5, Garcia 5, Manansala 4, Padrones 4, Palacielo 3, Jumamoy 3, Dela Cruz 2, Tulabut 0.
DLSU 67 – Cortez 16, Abadam 13, Phillips 11, Pablo 10, Macalalag 5, Daep 4, Dungo 4, Gollena 2, Marasigan 2, Nwankwo 0, Quines 0.
Quarters: 22-26, 50-42, 61-54, 75-67
