By MARK REY MONTEJO
National University came through with a decisive run and hacked out an 84-68 win over Far Eastern University to notch its second straight win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Boosted by a 72-57 victory over University of the East, the Bulldogs started strong anew but saw their 14-point halftime cushion (44-30) disappear after the Tamaraws surged ahead, 48-47, midway through the third quarter.
But NU quickly regrouped by tightening its defense and rediscovering its offensive rhythm to dominate the payoff period, outscoring FEU, 29-16, to win pulling away.
NU leaned on its balanced attack with Jolo Manansala producing timely baskets in the final canto and finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
Apart from Manansala’s effort, Omar John dazzled as well as he topscored with 16 points, nine rebounds, two steals and one block for the Jeff Napa-mentored crew. Jake Figueroa added 13 points.
Kirby Mongcopa had a decent show of 16 points on top of eight rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block but his efforts were not enough to turn their fortune around.
Shifty duo Janrey Pasaol and Jorick Bautista cashed in 16 and 15 points, respectively, for FEU in a losing cause.
