UAAP: NU stays hot, routs UP behind Parks’ 30

Emmanuel MBE FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — National University inched closer to a final four spot in the UAAP season 76 men’s basketball tournament after disposing of University of the Philippines, 79-62, Wednesday.

The Bulldogs, already on a six-game roll and at the top of the heap with a 9-3 record, still came out with the same zeal and devoured the winless Maroons.

“We didn’t want to take UP lightly. There’s a significance to this game, heading into the final four. We’re assured of a playoff, that’s one step closer for us,” said head coach Eric Altamirano.

Ray Parks scattered 30 points, as he stayed hot from start to finish, and added 10 rebounds and five assists for NU, which pulled away with a 21-12 third quarter.

Emmanuel Mbe, who was chosen as last week’s UAAP press corps player of the week, continued his strong play with 14 markers and 13 boards.

UP stayed in the game until halftime, even outrebounding NU then, 24-18, but fell flat the rest of the way en route to its 11th loss of the tournament.

Raul Soyud scored 17 for the Maroons, along with 12 boards while Sam Marata, who’s down to his last game with UP, added 13.