UAAP: NU stops streaking La Salle, solidifies hold on top spot

National University solidified its hold on the top spot of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball standings after defeating De La Salle University, 75-67, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The win improved NU’s record to 8-2 and ended La Salle’s four-game winning streak, with the Green Archers slipping to 6-4.

After La Salle took the lead at the end of the first quarter, 26-22, the Bulldogs limited the Green Archers to just 12 points in the second period while erupting for 28 to seize a 50-38 lead by halftime.

The Taft-based squad attempted a comeback in the second half, trimming the deficit to as close as five, 69-64, with 3:05 remaining in the final frame.

However, Steve Nash Enriquez drained a triple to give NU more breathing room, though Jacob Cortez responded with a jumper, followed by a Luis Pablo split at the line to cut the lead back to five, 72-67, with 1:07 left.

Mark Parks’ basket and a PJ Palacielo split sealed the victory as the Bulldogs held off the green-and-white squad.

Enriquez finished with 16 points built on four triples to lead the Bulldogs, while Paul Francisco and Omar John added 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Cortez paced the Green Archers with 16 points, while Earl Abadam contributed 13. Mike Phillips, meanwhile, posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

La Salle also struggled from the free throw line, converting only 20 of 36 attempts compared to NU’s 12 of 18. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, caught fire from beyond the arc, sinking nine of 18 triples, while the Green Archers managed just three—one each from Cortez, Abadam, and Phillips.

Scores:

NU 75 – Enriquez 16, Francisco 14, John 12, Parks 7, Figueroa 5, Garcia 5, Manansala 4, Padrones 4, Palacielo 3, Jumamoy 3, Dela Cruz 2, Tulabut 0.

La Salle 67 – Cortez 16, Abadam 14, Phillips 11, Pablo 10, Macalalag 5, Daep 4, Dungo 4, Gollena 2, Marasigan 2, Nwankwo 0, Quines 0.

Quarters: 22-26, 50-42, 61-54, 75-67.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News