UAAP: NU keeps slim Final Four hopes alive, shocks UP
NU’s Patrick Yu has the hot hand in the Bulldogs’ victory over the UP Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 87.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–National University stunned No. 2 University of the Philippines, 67-47, to end a three-game skid in the UAAP Seaosn 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Bulldogs, who picked up just their third win of the season, did not cower against the formidable Fighting Maroons to breathe life into their flatlining Final Four bid.
Article continues after this advertisement“Finally, nakuha namin yung panalo namin sa second round … buti na lang sa araw ng patay, nabuhay lahat ng mga player ko kahit papaano they delivered kung ano yung kailangan namin gawin then they really enjoyed kung ano yung ginagawa namin talaga so give credit to the boys sa mga players ko talagang sila yung nagtrabaho, di naman ako yun,” said NU coach Jeff Napa, whose squad was able to capitalize on UP’s slow start.
READ: UAAP: UE leans on strong second half to cruise past NU
NU coach Jeff Napa talks about their big win over UP. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/TWmCxXGPcJ
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) November 3, 2024
Patrick Yu snapped out of his slump and spearheaded the Bulldogs’ upset with a 17-point outing on 75 percent shooting, highlighted by five 3-pointers.
Article continues after this advertisementJake Figueroa provided 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals for the Bulldogs, who raced to a 24-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.
“Sinabi nga ni coach Jeff na enjoyin na lang, tanggalin na yung pressure na papasok sa Final Four tas ayun laking pasalamat lang ako kay coach Jeff kasi isipin mo buong season struggling ako pero kahit ganon may tiwala pa rin siya sa akin,” Yu said.
READ: UAAP: Royce Alforque, FEU learn from first-round heartbreak vs NU
“Sa totoo lang, na-chambahan lang namin sila. Ayun nga, sabi ni coach Jeff na mag-enjoy lang kami and alam naman natin yung UP is a strong team, better team,” Figueroa said.
With the loss, UP failed to secure the last twice-to-beat bonus. The Maroons had a 51-37 rebounding advantage but shot just 26 percent from the field and committed 30 errors that led to 23 turnover points for the Bulldogs.
NU looks to take down another Final Four contender on Wednesday against University of Santo Tomas at Mall of Asia Arena while UP tries to get back at defending champion La Salle on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
