MANILA, Philippines—National University overwhelmed an undermanned Adamson University, 77-62, Sunday in the 75th UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bulldogs, building momentum anew with their fourth victory, saw an opportunity to pound on the struggling Falcons with the loss of Alex Nuyles in the first quarter and never relented from there.
Even head coach Eric Altamirano admits that Nuyles’ departure gave his squad a leeway early.
“Nuyles’ injury helped us,” said Altamirano. “We started strong and we were able to sustain it.”
Emmanuel Mbe spearheaded the charge for the Bulldogs, who widened the gap by as far as 24 points twice in the game, with a double-double with 20 points and 15 boards.
Reigning MVP Bobby Ray Parks, who exited the game early due to injury, also cleaned up the glass pretty well with 11 rebounds while doling out 12 points.
Adamson, which only lost by double digits once last season, suffered another crushing setback, its third, along with its star Nuyles.
Nuyles, who opted against surgery and instead play through the injury, which has been nagging him since last year, reinjured his shoulder in the opening minutes.
Eric Camson stepped up for the Falcons with 13 points and eight boards, but his effort wasn’t enough to keep the game tight.
Roider Cabrera, who’s yet to have his breakout game this season, added 11 points and six boards while trusty center Rodney Brondial struggled with single digits.