Bobby Ray Parks (right) INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philipppines — National University gained a share of the top spot after frustrating University of the East, 81-73, Saturday in the UAAP season 76 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Bobby Ray Parks and Emmanuel Mbe, who had 18 markers each for the Bulldogs, fended off the Warriors’ attack, especially in the payoff period.
The Bulldogs are now tied with Far Eastern University at 8-3.
NU shackled UE’s run and turned a slim 59-57 lead to a 68-59 breather with four minutes in the fourth quarter, then kept a safe distance from then on.
“It’s hard to get the momentum, we want to take advantage of this situation,” said head coach Eric Altamirano whose squad has won five in a row.
The absence of Charles Mammie and Lord Casajeros from the Warriors’ bench as a result of their suspension was a “big thing” for the Bulldogs as they were able to focus more on Ralf Olivares and Roi Sumang, said Altamirano.
But Altamirano just the same gave credit to the two for “keeping it close”.
John Noble stepped up for UE with 16 points and seven rebounds, Olivares added 15 points but fouled out early while Sumang and Chris Javier chipped in 10 markers each.