NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–National University brought down another crown contender in La Salle, 80-76, on Wednesday to maintain its hold of the lead in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.
Omar John threw his weight around the paint, scoring on a dunk off a feed by Steve Nash Enriquez and finding himself unchallenged in the next sequence that stretched the Bulldogs’ advantage to eight inside the final two minutes.
Michael Phillips cut down La Salle’s deficit and Kevin Quiambao knocked it down from deep to keep them within range, but multiple attempts from three hastened the downfall of the Green Archers.
“Now, I can finally breathe. La Salle is one of the big boys. It’s a great game, we’re down in the third, but we were able to find ways,’’ said NU coach Jeff Napa after the Bulldogs extended their win streak to four, their fifth victory overall in six games.
Enriquez again essayed his role as chief facilitator with 16 points and Jhon Lloyd Clemente likewise came through with the crucial baskets as the Bulldogs finally downed the Green Archers for the first time after seven years.
“We came in mentally prepared and we were more hungry out there, but I feel there are things that we still need to improve on,’’ said Enriquez.
Quiambao banged in 15 points after bungling two crucial attempts from way out that could have altered the outcome and Philipps also had 15 for the Green Archers, who dropped their third match in six outings.
The Scores
NU 80 — Clemente 16, Enriquez 16, John 15, Figueroa 12, Malonzo 6, Baclaan 5, Yu 4, Galinato 2, Manansala 2, Mahinay 2, Minerva 0, Tibayan 0, Palacielo 0, Tulabut 0, Padrones 0.
LA SALLE 76 — Quiambao 15, M. Phillips 15, Nelle 14, Winston 12, Abadam 7, Nwankwo 4, Manuel 3, Estacio 3, Cortez 2, B. Phillips 1, Escandor 0.
Quarters: 23-17, 40-41, 61-63, 80-76.