Games Sunday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
7:30 a.m. – DLSZ vs FEU-D (16U)
9:30 a.m. – UPIS vs AdU (16U)
12 p.m. – DLSU vs FEU (women’s)
2 p.m. – DLSU vs FEU (men’s)
4:30 p.m. – UP vs AdU (men’s)
7 p.m. – UP vs AdU (women’s)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
National University wheeled back from an 18-point hole and frustrated University of the East anew, 83-74, to secure the first semifinal bonus in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Nov. 15.
Down 35-53 at the 7:58 mark of the third quarter, Jolo Manansala and PJ Palacielo took charge and engineered the Bulldogs’ massive 22-6 run to snatch a 77-66 lead that spoiled another promising start from the Red Warriors.
The pain, this time, would be felt for days. It was excruciating one as UE dropped to 0-13 – its 18th straight loss since the latter part of Season 87.
With the win, the Jhocson-based squad improved to 11-2, enough to secure one of two twice-to-beat advantages no matter what happens to its last game against University of Santo Tomas on Nov. 23.
Still in contention for the other semis are reigning champion University of the Philippines (8-3), La Salle (6-4), and UST (6-5).
NU also beat UE in the first round, 72-57.
“Akala siguro ng mga players namin na hindi na maglalaro ‘yong UE [ng kagaya kanina]… Masyadong relaxed kami so pagpasok namin sa dugout, simple lang ang sinabi ko, ‘Yon ba ang level na gusto niyong i-perform eh papasok na tayo ng Final Four?’,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa. “If you want to succeed sa next level, kailangan ipakita nila ‘yung best nila.”
Manansala, who ignited NU’s surge in the third, topscored with 21 points on top of three rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and one steal, while Palacielo posted 11 points.
“Kahit papaano nagpi-peak naman na ako kasi thankful ako sa teammates and coaches ko kasi nandoon pa rin ‘yong tiwala,” said Manansala. “Hindi ko naman magagawa ‘yung ganiyang stats kundi dahil sa kanila.”
Jake Figueroa, for his part, had a decent 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals performance, while Omar John and Paul Franciso added 14 and 12 points respectively.
Toper Lagat paced UE with 17 points, while rookie Dylan Despi and Jhondrew Jimenez poured in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Precious Momowei logged 14 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and one block, while his fellow veteran Wello Lingolingo had nine points in a losing cause for the Red Warriors.
NU is set for a long hiatus before it plunges back into action against UST next Sunday, Nov. 23, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
UE, despite being eliminated, goes for a strong end to its campaign when it tangles with Far Eastern University Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Big Dome.
The scores:
NU 83 – Manansala 21, Figueroa 14, John 14, Francisco 12, Palacielo 11, Enriquez 5, Parks 4. Tulabut 2, Garcia 0, Jumamoy 0, Dela Cruz 0, Reyes 0, Navarro 0, Solomon 0, Padrones 0.
UE 74 – Lagat 17, Momowei 14, Despi 11, Jimenez 10, Lingolingo 9, Datumalim 5, Cruz-Dumont 3, Tañedo 3, Robles 2, Malaga 0, Distrito 0.
Quarters: 17-21, 31-42, 56-61, 83-74.
