MANILA – National University (NU) Bulldogs turned a shaky start into a second-half showcase of power and poise, overwhelming the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles, 66-50, to tighten their hold on the top spot in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Jake Figueroa spearheaded NU’s rally with a monster double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds, along with five assists, two steals, and a block — a performance that defined the Bulldogs’ dominance in both ends of the floor as they improved to 7-2.
Ateneo led 40-32 midway through the third quarter before NU responded with a punishing 25-4 run that completely flipped the game, seizing a 57-44 advantage with 3:39 left in the period and never looking back.
“Nag-respond sila doon sa nangyari sa amin against UP. Credit sa team ko, hindi na sa akin ‘yun, sila na ‘yung gumawa ng paraan,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa, lauding his players’ maturity after their earlier loss.
“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. Itong dalawa (Steve Nash Enriquez and Reinhard Jumamoy) at least ‘yung leadership nila ipinakita nila,” Napa added.
For Ateneo, the loss marked a historic low under head coach Tab Baldwin — their fifth consecutive defeat after a 4-0 start, dropping them to sixth place with a 4-5 card.
In the second game, defending champion University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons climbed to solo second at 6-3 after dispatching the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 89-75.
UP closed the match strong behind Isagani Stevens’ inside finish and back-to-back dunks from Francis Nnoruka, who powered the win with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Stevens added 14, while Rey Remogat and Terrence Fortea chipped in 12 and 10, respectively.
Mo Konateh carried FEU with 24 points and 10 boards, while Jorick Bautista and Kirby Mongcopa combined for 36 markers in a losing effort./PN
