UAAP: Parks powers NU past DLSU to take fourth place in the standings

(Updated 9:01pm) After the National University Bulldogs ran out of firepower in the second overtime period of their first round meeting with the De La Salle University Green Archers, Bobby Ray Parks made sure that the rematch wouldn’t get that far. 

 

The reigning MVP caught fire in the third quarter, scoring 17 of his 32 points, as he and the rest of his squad destroyed the Archers, 72-62, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to snatch fourth place in the standings from the Taft-based squad.

 

“I just wanted to win the game”, Parks said, “Coach E [Eric Altamirano] devised some ways to get me those easy shots.”

 

The host school NU now sits at fourth place in the standings, thanks to their 7-4 record. They ousted their opponents by improving to a half-game better record than the now 7-5 La Salle team.

 

Parks made shot after shot in the third quarter, beating the shot clock multiple times and gaining the good graces of the rim, which swallowed his baskets wholeheartedly. The scion of former PBA import Bobby Ray Parks Sr. scored all but three of his team’s 20 points in that frame to give them the lead for good. NU led as much as 14 points in the third, after the Taft-based squad could not counter Parks’ conversions. La Salle only crept within 11 points after veteran guard Almond Vosotros scattered seven quick points in two minutes off the bench. The third quarter ended at 56-45, still within the range of La Salle to gut out a win.

 

The Green and White faltered late though, frustrated by the calls and NU’s seemingly-impermeable inside defense. Norbert Torres was pulled out, in favor of a lean frontcourt of Arnold Van Opstal and Yutien Andrada that yielded only five frontline points, all from Van Opstal. Andrada could not find any offense, as his trademark reverse lay-ups were perfectly read by Mbe and Henri Betayene.

 

With the defense drawn to Parks, NU made it a point to take advantage of the excessive physical play, with Parks making five free throws. La Salle only made it within single digits once late, 71-62, after a triple by Teng, but it was a case of too little too late, as a split by Rosario iced the game at 72-62.

 

La Salle had trouble finding its number one option, with the paint being heavily guarded to deny Teng’s usual power drive game. Teng finished with 20 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Norbert “The Bear” Torres only managed a paltry six points, outmuscled by Mbe and forward Troy Rosario in the post.

 

The Bulldogs’ inside-outside game could not gain traction, as 6’9” colossus Arnold Van Opstal shut out Emmanuel Mbe’s inside play, and consequently, their shooters, but Parks had more than enough firepower to pull his Dog Pack to a win. Although Jeoff Javillonar and Denice Villamor, the team’s usual marksmen, were shut down, Parks’ hot shooting was enough to burn down the La Salle defense.  

The first half was no playground however for Parks, as he struggled to find his shot. The first quarter though saw some interesting combinations, with old-timer Glenn Khobuntin at the starting small forward spot, an adjustment that Coach Eric Altamirano experimented to add some rebounding and toughness. Save for Mbe, all starters chipped in to level the game at 15-all.

 

The Bulldog defense got down and dirty in the second quarter, and the Green Archers responded poorly, looking exasperated at times. La Salle’s jumper wasn’t working for them as well. Coach Gee Abanilla and his troops managed only 11 points before the halftime buzzer rang.

 

Point guard Gelo Alolino was the only other Bulldog in double figures, chipping in 11 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal in 31 minutes. Rosario, Khobuntin and Mark De Guzman chimed in six markers each. DLSU was led by Jeron Teng's 20 points, though he needed 21 field goal attempts in the process. Almond Vostors added 13, while LA Revilla's return was unable to inspire his teammates. He finished his nine-minute stint with two points, a rebound and a steal. NU packed the paint to the point where DLSU got just seven free throw attempts, converting only three. The Bulldogs conversely went 24-of-30 from the stripe.

 

The Bulldogs will look to solidify their Final Four berth when they take on the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Thursday, while the Green Archers hope to bounce back against the FEU Tamaraws next Sunday. - RAF/AMD/OMG, GMA News

 

The scores:  

NU 72 – Parks 32, Alolino 11, Rosario 6, Khobuntin 6, De Guzman 6, Mbe 4, Javillonar 4, Villamor 3, Singh 0, Rono 0, Betayene 0.  

DLSU 62  – Teng 20, Vosotros 13, Van Opstal 7, N. Torres 6, Mendoza 4, T. Torres 3, Manguera 3, Andrada 2, Tampus 2, Revilla 2, Webb 0.  

Quarter scoring: 15-15, 36-26, 56-45, 72-62.