UAAP: Resurgent NU blasts skidding UP for third win

Gelo Alolino with hot hands against UP. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Defending champion National University rolled to its third straight win, ripping University of the Philippines, 68-52, in the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Graduating guard Gelo Alolino spearheaded telling run in the second quarter with 12 points on 4-of-4 shooting from long range as where the Bulldogs broke loose.

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“We knew coming into this game that this is going to be a defensive game. I think all throughout the game we were consistent on our defense,” NU head coach Eric Altamirano told reporters.

“The 3-point shots of Gelo in the second quarter really gave us the cushion,” Altamirano pointed out.

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Back-to-back triples from Alolino gave NU a 38-27 halftime lead and UP never recovered.

Bulldogs big man Alfred Aroga didn’t have his usual offensive game but he was a dominant force on the defensive end with 12 points and a season-high 22 rebounds. Alolino finished with 16 points.

NU climbed to 3-3 after starting the season at 0-3 while UP reeled to its third straight setback following a 2-0 start.

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“It’s good to have three straight wins especially coming at 0-3 but we still have long ways to go. We’re getting our bearings back but we still have to prepare hard,” said Altamirano, whose team rose to fourth place behind Far Eastern University, University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo.

The Fighting Maroons played like they’re the whipping team of old, turning the ball over 18 times with only nine assists.

Jett Manuel had 16 points for UP, which never threatened and trailed by as much as 17 in the fourth quarter.