NU dominates UE, spoils Chris Gavina’s coaching debut

National University opened its campaign with a dominant 72-57 victory over the University of the East on Sunday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

The win also spoiled Chris Gavina’s coaching debut for the Red Warriors.

After leading 39-34 at the end of the first half, the Bulldogs pulled away in the second half as the Jhocson-based squad outscored UE, 20-11, in the third quarter.

It was all NU from there, with the Bulldogs leading by as much as 23 points, 68-45, at the 8:12 mark of the final frame after a three-pointer from Gelo Santiago capped a 9-0 run. NU held off the Red Warriors even though the Bulldogs went scoreless after Omar John’s basket at the 4:48 mark.

Jake Figueroa led the way for NU with 16 points, six rebounds, five steals, three assists, and two blocks, while Paul Francisco contributed 12 points, four rebounds, a steal, and an assist.

Precious Momowei was limited to 12 points for UE but added 16 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.

Scores:

NU 72 – Figueroa 16, Francisco 12, Padrones 10, John 8, Santiago 8, Palacielo 6, Jumamoy 4, Manansala 3, Enriquez 3, Garcia 2, Dela Cruz 0, Parks 0, Solomon 0, Tulabut 0, Reyes 0.

UE 57 – Momowei 12, Abate 10, Tañedo 8, Dumont 5, Datumalim 5, Caoile 4, Lagat 4, Lingolingo 4, Jimenez 4, Rosete 1, Robles 0, Mulingtapang 0, Cabero 0, Malaga 0, Despi 0.

Quarters: 24-20, 39-34, 59-45, 72-57.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News