NU Bulldogs’ Omar John.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — National University used its airtight defense to shut down University of the East, 68-49, and extend its streak to three in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
After trailing 21-19 in the opening quarter, the Bulldogs held the Red Warriors to just four points in the second quarter before keeping them scoreless in the first six minutes of the third period to blow the game wide open.
PJ Palacielo gave NU its biggest lead of 21 points, 57-36, with eight minutes remaining as the Bulldogs tightened their grip on the second spot with a 5-1 slate.
“I’m at least 40% satisfied with their performance because in the 1st quarter, we gave up 21 points right away. We are sending the wrong message to our opponent,” said NU coach Jeff Napa in Filipino.
“We have to train again because we have a game against Saturday. We can’t relax and we must shift our focus against Adamson, this very dangerous team. Coach Nash is a very disciplined coach din e. We have to be ready against Adamson on Saturday,” he added.
Omar John and Jake Figueroa led NU’s collective effort with 12 points and 10 rebounds each, while Palacielo also scored 12 markers on top of three rebounds and two assists.
“For me, it’s just a normal victory. We have a goal and we will achieve that. That’s why we play one game at a time,” said John, who also had two steals, two assists, and a block.
NU wraps up its first round against Adamson on Saturday at University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
UE dropped its third straight game, sliding to 2-4 ahead of its duel with La Salle also on Saturday.
No Red Warrior scored in double figures with Precious Momowei scoring eight points on 3-of-15 shooting and grabbing 12 rebounds.
The Scores:
NU (68) – John 12, Figueroa 12, Palacielo 12, Lim 7, Baclaan 6, Enriquez 5, Jumamoy 5, Malonzo 5, Manansala 4, Yu 0, Galinato 0, Delos Reyes 0, Gulapa 0, Parks 0.
UE (49) – Momowei 8, Remogat 7, Sawat 7, Lingolingo 6, Fikes 6, Langit 4, Maglupay 3, Galang 2, Cruz-Dumont 2, Alcantara 2, Cabero 2, Tulabut 0, Gilbuena 0, Spandonis 0, Manalang 0.
Quarterscores: 19-21, 31-25, 53-36, 68-49