MANILA — National University turned the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball title race into a three-way logjam after stunning University of the Philippines, 72-64, behind a blistering start and a wire-to-wire performance Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bulldogs pounced on the Fighting Maroons from the opening tip, racing to a commanding 21-4 lead behind rookie Mac Alfanta, Paul Francisco, Mo Diassana, PJ Palacielo and Reinhard Jumamoy before withstanding UP’s late comeback bid.
The statement victory lifted NU to a 2-1 record, forging a three-way tie for the early lead with UP and Ateneo de Manila University.
The Blue Eagles also improved to 2-1 after turning back the Adamson University Falcons, 73-68, earlier in the day.
“Credit talaga sa mga players. They really stepped up doon sa challenge na kailangan labanan namin kumbaga kasi we’re a young team eh. At least kahit papaano, credit sa mga players sa collective effort na ginawa namin sa game na ito,” said head coach Jeff Napa.
NU maintained control after its explosive opening and stretched its advantage to a game-high 18 points in the fourth quarter.
Francisco intercepted an inbound pass and converted an uncontested layup to give the Bulldogs a 64-46 cushion with 6:08 remaining.
UP refused to fold.
Miguel Yñiguez sparked a late Fighting Maroons rally with a four-point play before drilling another triple that trimmed NU’s lead to 68-59 with 1:24 left.
The Bulldogs, however, held their ground in the closing moments to complete the upset and hand UP its first defeat of the season.
“Before yung laro namin, sabi lang naman ni coach sa amin na huwag namin isipin na UP ang kalaban namin. Sabi niya sa amin lagi, na yung sarili lang namin yung kalaban namin so ginawa lang namin yung inensayo namin,” said Alfanta, who finished with 13 points and two blocks.
Jumamoy paced the Bulldogs with 14 points despite shooting 4-of-18 from the field, while also collecting five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Francisco delivered an all-around effort with 11 points, six steals, four rebounds and three assists, while Diassana chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds.
Palacielo contributed nine points, five rebounds and four assists for NU.
Arvie Poyos led the Fighting Maroons with 13 points, four assists and three steals, while Veejay Pre added 11 points.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University barged into the win column after defeating the University of the East. The Tamaraws improved to 1-1 while sending the Red Warriors to their third consecutive loss at 0-3.
Mo Konateh spearheaded FEU with 15 points./PN
