NU rallies late to escape FEU for second win

National University (NU) dominated Far Eastern University (FEU), 84–68, to notch its second win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After trailing 55–52 at the end of the third quarter, the Bulldogs stormed back in the fourth, overwhelming the Tamaraws with a dominant run.

With less than three minutes remaining, NU led 76–67 before Jake Figueroa sparked a 6–0 run that pushed the lead to 14, effectively sealing the win. Jedric Solomon’s jumper later put the finishing touch on the victory.

Omar John was one rebound shy of a double-double, finishing with 16 points, nine boards, two steals, and a block. Jake Figueroa and Jolo Manansala contributed 13 points each.

Mo Konateh grabbed 15 rebounds to go with his eight points, while Janrey Pasaol and Kirby Mongcopa led FEU with 16 points apiece. Jorick Bautista added 15 points.

NU improved to 2–0, while FEU dropped to 0–2.

In the women’s division, NU also defeated FEU, 89–64.

Scores:

NU 84 -- John 16, Figueroa 13, Manansala 13, Palacielo 8, Parks 8, Francisco 7, Enriquez 5, Padrones 5, Santiago 4, Jumamoy 3, Solomon 2, Garcia 0, Dela Cruz 0, Tulabut 0.

FEU 68 -- Pasaol 16, Mongcopa 16, Bautusta 15, Owens 9, Konateh 8, Daa 2, Salangsang 2, Felipe 0, Montemayor 0, Ona 0, Bagunu 0.

Quarters: 19-14, 44-30, 55-52, 84-68.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News