NU whips Adamson
NU Bulldogs Alfred Aroga loses the ball against Adamson Jansen Rios. ARNOLD ALMACEN
MANILA, Philippines – National University went on a blistering run bridging the first two quarters to rip Adamson anew, 71-50, in the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bulldogs went on a 22-0 blast capped by a basket by Joel Betayene for a 32-14 lead in the second quarter as the Falcons never recovered.
“We’re just happy to get this win. We know how important this is in the second round,” said NU head coach Eric Altamirano.
NU padded onto its lead in the second half – taking a 59-28 advantage at the end of three quarters en route to its sixth win in nine games.
Adamson, which only scored two points in the second period, suffered its ninth setback in as many stints. The Falcons shot just 1-of-14 from the field and were outscored by 22 points in the second quarter.
“I think the second quarter was really pivotal. Our second group provided the spark and just focused on defense and our offense were created by our defense,” said Altamirano.
The Bulldogs’ bench matched the Falcons’ starting five output with 41 points.
Starting point guard Gelo Alolino led the NU charge with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists while Glenn Khobuntin added 12 points and six rebounds off the bench.
The Bulldogs whipped the Falcons, 62-25, back in the first round.
Don Trollano scored 15 points for Adamson, which shot just 24% from the field, that went with eight rebounds but had an abysmal 6-of-23 shooting from the floor.
NU faces Ateneo next on Sunday with the Bulldogs looking to repeat their win over the Blue Eagles in the first round. And Altamirano knows it would take a lot to do it again.
“We cannot afford the way we played today especially the way we handled the press. We really have to come out prepared against Ateneo,” Altamirano said after his team committed 27 turnovers. “Very unlikely of us to commit this many turnovers.”
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