NU ends FEU run; La Salle escapes in OT

National University ended Far Eastern University’s dream run with Bulldogs star Ray Parks, struggling from the field all game, clinching the win with three clutch free throws.

Parks finished with a career-low seven points but still emerged the hero as the Bulldogs prevailed, 59-58, and spoiled the Tamaraws’ bid to stay perfect in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament yesterday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I’m proud of my teammates for stepping up,” said Parks, a two-time MVP. “I wasn’t playing well but they picked me up.”

Parks nailed three free throws inside the last 32 seconds before FEU guard Mike Tolomia missed a potential game-winner in the dwindling seconds.

The Tamaraws still kept  top spot at 7-1, while the Bulldogs grabbed solo second with a 5-2 record.

Almond Vosotros also starred in a first-game thriller by burying a “lucky shot” with 1.8 seconds left that lifted La Salle past Adamson, 70-69, in overtime.

Vosotros’ game-winner bounced off the rim four times before trickling in to give the Archers their fourth victory in eight games.

“This is our first close win,” said La Salle coach Juno Sauler. “It’s also good for the team.”

Vosotros shot a team-high 19 points, including five of the Archers’ eight in the extra period.

“It was really a lucky shot,” said Vosotros, the senior guard who also collected nine rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Gelo Alolino topscored for the Bulldogs with 13 and Emmanuel Mbe had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Parks sat out for most of the first half after picking up two fouls in his first three minutes of play.

RR Garcia led the Tamaraws with 20 markers, but top MVP contender Terrence Romeo had a season-low of eight points on a woeful 3-of-16 shooting clip.

The scores:

First Game

LA SALLE 70–Vosotros 19, Van Opstal 13, Teng 9, Torres 8, Perkins 6, Revilla 5, Tampus 4, Salem 3, Monalbo 3, Reyes 0.

ADAMSON 69–Brondial 19, Cruz 15, Cabrera 11, Trollano 9, Petilos 6, Monteclaro 5, Sewa 2, Julkipli 1, Agustin 1, Rios 0, Ochea 0, Cabigas 0, Bernabe 0, Abrigo 0.

Quarters: 14-16, 34-30, 52-47, 62-62 (reg.), 70-69 (OT)

Second Game

NU 59–Alolino 13, Mbe 10, Khobuntin 10, Parks 7, Villamor 4, Roño 4, Porter 4, Perez 4, Javillonar 2, Alejandro 1, Javelona 0, De Guzman 0.

FEU 58–Garcia 20, Tolomia 8, Romeo 8, Cruz, 6, Belo 5, Mendoza 4, Hargrove 3, Iñigo 2, Pogoy 2, Sentcheu 0, Jose 0, Dennison 0, Aguilon 0.

Quarters: 17-17, 31-25, 50-43, 59-58