UAAP: NU hands UP its first loss as Omar John delivers
NU Bulldogs’ Omar John. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–National University handed University of the Philippines a stinging reality check, engaging the defending champions in a dogfight before pulling off an 80-75 reversal on Wednesday at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.
Omar John drilled a long one that gave the Bulldogs the needed respite inside two minutes before Steve Nash Enriquez, springing back from the injury list and playing for the first time this season, sealed NU’s third win in four games with a pair of free throws.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Fighting Maroons had several chances to at least force extra time in the final reckoning, but Carl Tamayo misfired on a drive and Terrence Fortea’s potential-tying three was partially blocked by John Figueroa.
“It was a good win for us after beating a very tough team. That’s why they are the defending champions. We did everything out there to win,’’ said NU coach Jeff Napa after the Bulldogs pinned the first defeat of the Maroons this season in four outings.
John gamely put up a fight against UP’s hefty frontline, scoring 16 points on top of nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks and a pair of steals.
Article continues after this advertisement“I didn’t do good the past three games. This time I proved that I can really play out there,’’ said John, who tirelessly battled Malick Diouf, Zavier Lucero and Tamayo underneath.
Lucero had 22 points, including a three that pulled them within 72-75, and Tamayo added 17 with his basket from downtown in the final minute keeping the Maroons afloat.
“We worked day in, day out because we want to gain respect from the other teams. Good win, but there’s more work ahead for us as a team,’’ said Enriquez.
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The Scores
NU 80 — John 16, Baclaan 13, Figueroa 10, Enriquez 10, Minerva 6, Clemente 6, Malonzo 5, Yu 4, Galinato 4, Mahinay 2, Manansala 2, Tibayan 2, Padrones 0, Palacielo 0.
UP 75 — Lucero 22, Tamayo 17, Abadiano 11, Alarcon 9, Diouf 7, Fortea 6, Gonzales 2, Spencer 1, Galinato 0, Ramos 0, Calimag 0.
Quarters: 23-24, 50-42, 66-66, 80-75.
