PCCL: National U toys with UNP to advance

MANILA, Philippines – National University toyed with University of Northern Philippines, 96-51, Saturday to advance into the next phase of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Cameroonian center Emmanuel Mbe was head and shoulders above everyone else as he easily came away with a game-high 23 points for the Bulldogs.

NU, sans UAAP MVP Ray Parks, barely broke a sweat as it pulled away late in the second quarter and didn’t look back.

“So far we’re playing better, playing relaxed,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano, whose squad led by as much as 47 points.

With momentum on their side, the Bulldogs picked up where they left off in the first half and outscored the Sharks, 25-9, in the third period that proved to be the early dagger snuffing out any hopes of a comeback from UNP.

The Bulldogs, who finished fifth in the UAAP, coasted from start to finish against the Sharks but things are about to get tough with NU facing a dangerous Jose Rizal University on Monday.

“That’s a tough team [JRU], they’re well rested,” said Altamirano. “We’re hoping Bobby Ray can join us but nevertheless we’ll give our best.”

Parks is currently with the Philippine men’s basketball team competing in the 26th SEA Games in Indonesia.

UNP were trailing by just 12, 27-39, at the 1:49 mark of the second period before NU broke loose with an 18 unanswered points capped by a tomahawk slam by Mbe that pushed the Bulldogs’ advantage to 39, 72-33 just before intermission.

Athletic guards Reden Celda and Robin Rono had 19 and 11 points respectively.

Undersized center Jacklord Arquero paced the erratic Sharks with 16 points.

Kyle Neypes sank a wide open left corner jumper that gave NU its biggest lead of the game, 92-45, with 1:47 left.