UAAP: NU overcomes UE to secure twice-to-beat bonus

National University secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament after beating the University of the East, 83–74, on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs erased an 18-point deficit, 52–35, at the 7:58 mark of the third period before mounting a 13–1 run to pull within 53–48 around the halfway mark of the quarter.

By the end of the frame, UE still led 61–56, but NU opened the fourth period with a 6–0 run to seize a 62–61 advantage.

Eventually, the Bulldogs dominated the fourth period and pulled away, 75–63, with less than three minutes left, before holding off the Warriors as UE was limited to 13 points against NU’s 27.

Jolo Manansala scored a season-high 21 points, while Jake Figueroa added 14. Omar John posted 14 points and 12 rebounds, and PJ Palacielo contributed 11 points as NU improved to 11–2.

Tope Lagat tallied 17 points, while Precious Momowei recorded 14 points and 12 boards as UE remained winless at 0–13.

Scores:

NU 83 – Manansala 21, Figueroa 14, John 14, Francisco 12, Palacielo 11, Enriquez 5, Parks 4. Tulabut 2, Garcia 0, Jumamoy 0, Dela Cruz 0, Reyes 0, Navarro 0, Solomon 0, Padrones 0.

UE 74 – Lagat 17, Momowei 14, Despi 11, Jimenez 10, Lingolingo 9, Datumalim 5, Cruz-Dumont 3, Tañedo 3, Robles 2, Malaga 0, Distrito 0.

Quarters: 17-21, 31-42, 56-61, 83-74.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News