UAAP: Razor-sharp Bulldogs rip Falcons

MANILA, Philippines — Sharp on every aspect, National University ripped Adamson, 80-48, Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena to fuel its hot streak in the UAAP season 76 men’s basketball tournament.

The Bulldogs fired from all cylinders (51.5% field), shared the ball with ease (22 assists) and thrived on the open court (23 fastbreak points) as they rolled to their third straight victory and a 6-3 record.

“It sounds like a cliché but we were able to limit them on defense. Fortunately, we were able to run,” said head coach Eric Altamirano.

The first and final quarters highlighted the stark contrast between the two teams as the inspired Bulldogs combined for 46 points while the disarrayed Falcons just managed 15.

“I reminded them that every game is important. We have to treat it always with sense of urgency,” also said Altamirano.

Emmanuel Mbe shone with 21 points, including a pair of thunderous slams, along with 10 points and four steals for NU while Ray Parks added 16 markers and five dimes.

The Falcons, riddled with turnovers (23) and lack of fluidity on offense (10 assists), did show signs of life late in the third quarter and trimmed the lead down to 10 but couldn’t sustain the run.

It was the fifth setback of Adamson in its last six outings as it dropped to 3-6 with the chance of making it to the final four slowly diminishing.

Roider Cabrera uncorked three triples en route to a team-best 12 points, but none from the team really got any rhythm going all game.