NU escapes La Salle, deals Green Archers another setback

National University defeated De La Salle University, 82-78, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, handing the Green Archers their second consecutive loss.

The loss followed La Salle's defeat to Ateneo de Manila University last weekend.

The Bulldogs held a 76-70 lead with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Taft-based squad responded with a 5-0 run to cut the deficit to 76-75 with 17 seconds left.

Jake Figueroa sank his first free throw after being fouled by JC Macalalag, while Paul Francisco’s two free throws off a Mike Phillips foul extended NU’s lead to 79-75.

Kean Baclaan then connected from beyond the arc to bring La Salle within one, 79-78, with seven seconds remaining. However, Reinhard Jumamoy calmly sank two free throws after another Macalalag foul to widen the gap to 81-78.

Lebron Daep was then called for a traveling violation, and a subsequent foul by Luis Pablo on Omar John sent the NU big man to the line, where he converted his first free throw to seal the victory.

Figueroa led the Bulldogs with 18 points and eight rebounds, while John grabbed 10 rebounds despite being limited to just three points. Palacielo added 13 points, while Francisco and Gelo Santiago contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively. Jumamoy scored all eight of his points in the fourth quarter.

Phillips tallied 15 points and 16 rebounds for La Salle, while Jacob Cortez and Baclaan chipped in 15 and 11 points, respectively.

With the win, NU improved to 5-1, while La Salle slipped to 2-3.

Scores:

NU 82 – Figueroa 18, Palacielo 16, Francisco 13, Santiago 12, Jumamoy 8, Parks 6, Garcia 4, John 3, Manansala 2, Enriquez 0, Padrones 0, Reyes 0, Navarro 0.

La Salle 78 – Cortez 15, Phillips 15, Baclaan 11, Pablo 8, Amos 7, Gollena 6, Macalalag 5, Abadam 4, Daep 3, Dungo 2, Nwankwo 2, Melencio 0, Marasigan 0.

Quarters: 21-23, 40-40, 55-61, 82-78.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News