UAAP: Mark Nonoy stars in debut, helps La Salle withstand NU

La Salle’s Mark Nonoy. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Mark Nonoy and Justine Baltazar powered La Salle’s fourth quarter comeback to survive National University, 59-55, in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

When the Green Archers trailed 42-45 with 8:28 remaining in the fourth, Nonoy took matters into his own hands unleashing his own 7-0 run to steal the lead, 49-45.

Michael Malonzo and Steve Nash Enriquez tied the game at 49 but Baltazar unloaded seven points in their crucial 10-3 run to gain a 59-52 breather with 21 seconds left.

Nonoy, who rested his hamstring during La Salle’s 71-66 victory over University of the East  last Saturday, made a rousing debut as a Green Archer scoring 10 of his 13 points in the payoff period. He shot 3-of-8 beyond the arc and had four rebounds, four assists and three steals.

“Honestly, I expected to play in the first game. But I understand that our physical therapy and coaches didn’t want to rush my recovery. I have to be patient since there is still a long way to go for us. But I’m thankful that I finally played for my team in this game,” said the Season 82 Rookie of the Year, who transferred from University of Santo Tomas’ collapsed program two years ago.

Baltazar also delivered 13 points on top of seven rebounds, three dimes and a steal, while CJ Austria added 12 markers, shooting 2-of-2 from deep as La Salle gained the share of early 2-0 lead with rival Ateneo.

“I think things weren’t going right for us. We got the lead by nine points but we lost focus, concentration and made a lot of mistakes,” said La Salle coach Derrick Pumaren. “We really worked hard for this win. The boys dug deep. We just had to win through defense and play tough, force turnovers and get them back.

Pumaren’s press worked wonders for La Salle as his wards made 13 steals and scored 12 from NU’s 20 turnovers.

Malonzo led the Bulldogs with 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Jake Figueroa had nine points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Enzo Joson and John Lloyd Clemente also scored nine markers each as NU dropped to 1-1.

La Salle eyes its third win against Far Eastern University on Tuesday at 1 pm, while NU takes on University of the Philippines at 4 pm.

The Scores:

LA SALLE 59 — Nonoy 13, Baltazar 13, Austria 10, Lojera 7, Manuel 6, Nelle 5, M. Phillips 3, Winston 2, Nwankwo 0, B. Phillips 0, Cuajao 0, Cortez 0, Macalalag 0.

NU 55 — Malonzo 10, Joson 9, Figueroa 9, Clemente 9, Mahinay 6, Enriquez 4, Tibayan 4, Gaye 2, Felicilda 2, Galinato 0, Ildefonso 0, Torres 0, Yu 0, Manansala 0, Minerva 0.

Quarters: 19-16, 29-30, 42-43, 59-55.