Bulldogs nose out Falcons; Knights up

RAY Parks knocked in the game-winning jumper with 3.2 seconds left to lift the National U Bulldogs past the gritty Adamson Falcons, 70-68, in overtime in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Hardly losing his focus over a month after his father’s death, Parks scored six of his team’s eight points in the extra period to finish with a game-high 28 points and lead the unbeaten Bulldogs to a sixth straight victory.

“He took it upon himself to carry us through,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano. “We were struggling offensively, but Ray just found a way to win.”

In the second game, Letran dropped a 17-0 bomb in the second half to down Emilio Aguinaldo College, 78-71, and improve to 3-1.

Raymond Almazan shot 16 points and added 12 boards, while Mark Cruz and Ford Ruaya fired 13 each to power the Knights.

Parks, who wore jersey No. 22 in memory of his father and seven-time PBA Best Import Bobby Parks, also had six rebounds, three assists and a couple of steals, but said he’s still far from his best shape.

“I feel I’m not yet there after all that happened,” said Parks, the two-time UAAP MVP. “But my teammates were encouraging me to take the last-second shot. They trusted me.”

The Falcons battled back from double-digit deficits with Cameroonian Alfred Aroga posting 20 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks.

Lloyd Abrigo’s two free throws with 19.4 seconds left in the fourth period forged overtime, 62-62.

The Falcons fell to 1-2, while the Generals remained winless in three outings.

The scores:
First Game
NU 70—Parks 28, Aroga 20, Villamor 6, Labing-isa 6, Alejandro 4, Rosario 3, De Guzman 2, Roño 1, Javillonar 0, Neypes 0, Khobuntin 0.
ADAMSON 68—Cruz 16, Abrigo 12, Brondial 9, Sewa 8, Bernabe 8, Rios 6, Iñigo 3, Ochea 3, Cabigas 3, Monteclaro 0, Petilos 0, Trollano 0.
Quarters: 21-14, 33-27, 47-45, 62-62 (reg), 70-68 (OT)
Second Game
LETRAN 78—Almazan 16, Cruz 13, Ruaya 13, Nambatac 9, Pantin 6, Belorio 6, Publico 5, Dysam 5, Luib 2, Gabawan 2, Catipay 1, Castro 0, Buenaflor 0, Requero 0, Tambeling 0, Oluto 0.
EAC 71—Manga 18, Jamon 15, Munsayac 10, Tayontong 9, King 9, Arquero 5, Paguia 2, Castro 2, Mejos 1, Mallari 0, Monteclaro 0.
Quarters: 21-23, 38-40, 56-52, 78-71