UAAP: Bulldogs carve out win over Tigers

NATIONAL U’s Emmanuel Mbe beats the defense of Far Eastern’s Russell Escoto. EDWIN BELLOSILLO/FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — National University carved out a 71-67 victory over University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday in the UAAP season 76 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs, who improved to 2-1, held on to their lead in a grindout fourth quarter, where both teams struggled to get consistency.

Emmanuel Mbe and Jelo Alolino chipped in five points each in the payoff period to keep the Growling Tigers, who played sans Jeric Teng in the second half, at bay.

Ray Parks had 20 points for the Bulldogs, but only had two in the payoff period before he fouled out. Mbe added 17.

“We knew coming into this game that we will have a hard time. UST will come back. So I told them to keep their composure,” said head coach Eric Atlamirano.

UST, which got a taste of the lead with an 11-0 run in the second quarter before NU took over for good, wouldn’t allow the Bulldogs to pull away but couldn’t get nearer than three.

Kevin Ferrer paced the Tigers with 20 points, including a clutch three which gave them a glimmer of home with 1.6 seconds left.

It was obvious that UST missed the services of its trusty gunner Teng, who injured his right shoulder in the second quarter.

“Laking bagay nung nawala siya,” Altamirano admitted. “We were preparing for him. So we made adjustments in the second half.”

The Tigers earned 15 of their total points in the payoff period from the stripe, but missed nine in that quarter alone.