UAAP: Mac Alfanta stars as NU hands UP its first loss

Macmac Alfanta starred as National University defeated the University of the Philippines, 72-64, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Alfanta had 13 points, two blocks, and a rebound to lead the Bulldogs as the Fighting Maroons absorbed their first loss of the season.

It was a wire-to-wire win for the Bulldogs, with NU outscoring UP, 25-12, in the first quarter before taking a 38-30 lead at halftime.

NU continued to pound on UP, leading by as much as 18 points, 64-46, with 6:05 remaining in the fourth period.

The Bulldogs then held off the Fighting Maroons to claim their second consecutive victory.

Aside from Alfanta, Reinhard Jumamoy had 14 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, while Paul Francisco had 11 points. Mo Diassana added 10 points, eight rebounds, one block, and one steal for NU.

Arvie Poyos had 13 points, while Veejay Pre and Miguel Yñiguez had 11 and 10 points, respectively, as UP slipped to 2-1.

Scores:

NU 72 — Jumamoy 14, Alfanta 13, Francisco 11, Diassana 10, Palacielo 9, Garcia 4, Laconsay 3, Padrones 2, Reyes 2, Miranda 2, Solomon 2, Figueroa 0, Serrano 0, Cartel 0.

UP 64 — Poyos 13, Pre 11, Yñiguez 10, Bayla 7, Payosing 6, Nnoruka 6, Stevens 4, Remogat 3, Alter 2, Palanca 2, Briones 0, Andres 0, Maga 0.

Quarterscores: 25-12, 38-30, 56-42, 72-64.

—JKC, GMA News