MANILA — National University broke into the win column in emphatic fashion, overwhelming University of the East, 76-56, behind a dominant first-half performance in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bulldogs buried the Red Warriors early, storming to a 25-8 advantage after the opening quarter before stretching the gap to 22 points, 42-20, at halftime.
UE attempted to fight its way back into the contest in the third quarter, outscoring NU, 20-12, but the Bulldogs quickly regained control in the payoff period to complete the 20-point demolition.
Mo Diassana powered NU with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Reinhard Jumamoy also finished with 12 markers.
Kenshin Padrones added 11 points and seven rebounds, while PJ Palacielo provided nine points and 11 boards as the Bulldogs bounced back strongly from their heartbreaking 89-87 opening-game loss to defending champion De La Salle University.
The victory improved NU’s record to 1-1.
Olamilekan Ajani paced UE with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Topeng Lagat also scored 11 points.
The Red Warriors dropped to 0-2 and saw their UAAP losing streak stretch to 22 games, dating back to the second round of Season 87 in 2024.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines overcame a sluggish start before pulling away from Ateneo de Manila University for a convincing 94-75 victory.
James Payosing spearheaded the Fighting Maroons with 18 points, including two three-pointers, as UP remained unbeaten at 2-0 to open its redemption campaign.
Rey Remogat chipped in 14 points, Francis Nnoruka registered a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Francis Veejay Pre nearly had one of his own with 12 points and nine boards.
Jared Bahay led the Blue Eagles with 15 points, while rookie Kieffer Alas finished with 13 as Ateneo slipped to 1-1./PN
