MANILA — National University Bulldogs unleashed a decisive 10-0 fourth-quarter run to erase a five-point deficit and escape with a 75-71 victory over University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Mo Diassana powered the Bulldogs’ comeback with a monster double-double of 16 points and 19 rebounds as NU improved to 7-3, strengthening its position in the standings.
Trailing 57-62, the Bulldogs mounted a 10-0 assault behind Diassana, Paul Francisco, Tebol Garcia and Kenshin Padrones to seize a 67-62 advantage.
UST threatened to regain control through Collins Akowe, but Reinhard Jumamoy, PJ Palacielo and Diassana delivered crucial baskets to keep NU ahead.
The Growling Tigers made one final push behind Landyn Jumawan’s three-pointer and Amiel Acido’s two free throws, but Palacielo calmly sank the decisive foul shots to seal the win.
Palacielo finished with 14 points, Padrones added 13 and Garcia contributed 12 for the Bulldogs.
Acido paced UST with 13 points, followed by Mark Llemit with 12, while Akowe and Andrew Chio chipped in 11 apiece as the Tigers slipped to 4-6.
Meanwhile, rookie Joaquin Tovera erupted for 21 points as De La Salle University Green Archers edged archrival Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 76-73, to complete a season sweep of their elimination-round meetings.
Tovera, strengthening his bid for Rookie of the Year honors, added seven rebounds, six assists and one steal as La Salle improved to 6-4 while dropping Ateneo to 5-5.
The Green Archers guard outshone fellow rookie contender Kieffer Alas, who scored 18 points but struggled from beyond the arc, making just one of 12 three-point attempts.
Tovera shot 6-of-14 from the field in 32 minutes, while Alas went 8-of-22 overall in 34 minutes.
The victory also gave La Salle its 51st win in 101 meetings with Ateneo, further intensifying their storied collegiate basketball rivalry./PN
