UAAP: NU escapes FEU, nears twice-to-beat bonus

Jake Figueroa delivered the dagger triple to seal National University’s 70-64 victory over Far Eastern University on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With the win, the Bulldogs improved to 10-2 and moved closer to securing a twice-to-beat advantage, while the Tamaraws fell to 4-7.

With 1:18 left in the fourth quarter and NU holding a slim 67-64 lead, Figueroa buried a three-pointer to ice the game as Janrey Pasaol and Jorick Bautista missed their respective attempts for FEU.

Figueroa finished with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block to lead the Bulldogs, while PJ Palacielo added 10 points.

Pasaol paced the Tamaraws with 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds, two steals, and a block, while Kirby Mongcopa chipped in 10 markers. Mo Konateh grabbed 15 rebounds but was held to just five points.

Scores:

NU 70 – Figueroa 17, Palacielo 10, Francisco 9, Manansala 8, Jumamoy 8, Parks 5, Enriquez 4, Padrones 4, Garcia 2, John 2, Tulabut 1, Dela Cruz 0, Solomon 0.

FEU 64 – Pasaol 15, Mongcopa 10, Daa 7, Owens 7, Bautista 5, Konateh 5, Felipe 5, Montemayor 4, Jones 4, Ona 2.

Quarters: 18-13, 38-34, 53-48, 70-64.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News