RAY PARKS of National University. INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines—Battling flu-like symptoms, Ray Parks dragged National University Bulldogs to a 76-73 comeback win over San Sebastian Stags Wednesday and into a quarterfinals slot in the 2012 FilOil Flying V Preseason Hanes Cup at the San Juan Arena.
Parks, the reigning UAAP MVP, shot a game-high 21 points and collected six rebounds and five assists to offset his five errors.
“He (Parks) wasn’t feeling well but he showed his heart,” said NU head coach Eric Altamirano.
The Bulldogs fought back from a nine-point fourth quarter deficit and led 71-69 after a triple from Jeoff Javillionar with 48.4 ticks left.
“I like the character of the team. Their resiliency. They never gave up, they stuck together,” added Altamirano, whose squad remained unbeaten at 6-0.
There were moments NU struggled at the offensive end that allowed San Sebastian to pull away.
The Bulldogs though, were solid at the defensive end as they contained the Stags’ formidable frontcourt of Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang.
Abueva came alive in the fourth quarter en route to 20 points and 13 rebounds but his horrible four-of-24 shooting night proved just how hard he had to work all game.
Same goes to Sangalang, who only managed to make four of his 14 attempts as the Stags reeled to their second setback in as many stints.
A free throw by Abueva put San Sebastian ahead, 64-55 before NU roared back.