MANILA – Mark Parks came through when it mattered most, completing a three-point play in the dying seconds to lift the National University (NU) Bulldogs past the Adamson University Falcons, 66-65, and secure their Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
With NU trailing 63-65 and just 10 seconds left, Parks attacked the rim, scored through contact, and calmly sank the go-ahead free throw that preserved the Bulldogs’ hold of the No. 1 spot with a 9-2 record.
“I just wanted to stay aggressive and trust our system,” said Parks, who finished with 10 points, three rebounds, two steals, and an assist. “We knew Adamson would fight hard, so we had to match their energy.”
Jake Figueroa once again anchored NU’s steady offense with 13 points, while Patrick Francisco added nine. The Bulldogs had to claw back from an eight-point deficit in the third quarter before tightening their defense in the closing minutes.
Matthew Montebon paced Adamson with 20 points, while Cedrick Manzano and Emmanuel Anabo chipped in 12 and 11, respectively. The Falcons slipped to 5-6, putting their Final Four hopes in jeopardy.
Meanwhile, the defending champion University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons extended their winning streak to four after turning back the University of the East Red Warriors, 70-61.
UP’s frontcourt duo of Sean Alter and Francis Nnoruka powered the Maroons to an 8-3 slate, keeping them within reach of a twice-to-beat edge. Nnoruka recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks, and four assists, while Alter went a perfect 6-of-6 from the field for 13 points.
Toper Lagat led UE with 21 points, while Wello Lingolingo added 11 as the Red Warriors remained winless at 0-11./PN
