UAAP: NU completes comeback vs. Ateneo in bounce-back win

National University pulled away in the second half to complete a come-from-behind victory over Ateneo de Manila University, 66–50, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The win came as a bounce-back effort for the Bulldogs after their 78–74 loss to the University of the Philippines last Wednesday.

The Blue Eagles led 40–32 with six minutes remaining in the third period before the Bulldogs unleashed a massive 25–4 run up to the 3:42 mark of the fourth quarter to take a 57–44 lead. During that stretch, Jake Figueroa scored 11 points, while PJ Palacielo contributed all seven of his points.

Jared Bahay’s free throws brought Ateneo within nine, but Paul Francisco drained a triple off a Figueroa assist to extend NU’s lead to 60–46.

Ian Espinosa responded with a three-pointer, but NU countered with another 6–1 run to eventually seal the win.

Figueroa finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block, making him the only Bulldog in double figures. Steve Nash Enriquez, Janrick Jumamoy, and Jolo Manansala added eight points each.

“Given si Jake Figueroa. I need someone na talagang mag-i-step up to become a leader talaga para at least mag-stabilize kami sa loob ng court. Itong dalawa (Enriquez and Jumamoy), at least ‘yung leadership nila ipinakita nila,” NU head coach Jeff Napa said.

Kymani Ladi led Ateneo with 12 points, while Andrew Bongo posted nine points and nine rebounds.

NU solidified its hold of the top spot with a 7–2 record, while Ateneo absorbed its fifth straight loss after opening the season with four consecutive wins.

The scores:

NU 66 – Figueroa 17, Enriquez 8, Jumamoy 8, Manansala 8, Palacielo 7, John 6, Francisco 5, Padrones 5, Dela Cruz 2, Garcia 0, Parks 0, Santiago 0, Tulabut 0.

Ateneo 50 – Ladi 12, Bongo 9, Escobar 6, Espinosa 5, Tuano 4, Lazaro 4, Espina 3, Fjellvang 3, Lazo 2, Bahay 2, Nieto 0, Gamber 0.

Quarters: 15–19, 30–30, 46–40, 66–50.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News