Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Dave Yu gave National University a big lift to put away University of the East, 86-69, at the start of the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Yu scored 14 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting from the field while team captain Jay Alejandro had an all-around effort with 11 points five rebounds, five assists and seven steals.
The Red Warriors, who finished at the bottom of the standings last season, faded in the second half after a promising start. Alvin Pasaol paced UE with 14 points.
“It was good because we won. It feels good that we won, but still a lot of things to work on,” said new NU head coach Jamike Jarin. “A lot of mistakes. It’s always hard to play the opening game because you don’t know what time you’re going to play.”
Yu sparked a big third quarter by NU, which went on a 17-3 run that broke a 42-deadlock and set the tone for the rest of the second half.
Alejandro found ways to be effective despite having a tough offensive outing with a big part UE’s defensive game plan focused on limiting the veteran guard.
“This guy, he just played consistent,” Jarin said, referring to Alejandro.
NU also drew quality minutes from its Senegalese import Issa Gaye, who nearly had a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds on top of three blocks.