UAAP: Mbe stars as NU deals Adamson a serious beatdown

The National University Bulldogs registered a three-game winning streak for the first time in 76th season of the UAAP, netting an 80-48 victory against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, Sunday, in the second elimination round at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The win solidified National U's hold on the second spot in the rankings, as they improved to 6-3. Meanwhile, the Falcons plummet to seventh, at 3-6, having lost five of their last six games.

[Review the play-by-play of this game here]

"It sounds like a cliche but I think we were able to do it on defense. It all boiled down to our stops," said National U head coach Eric Altamirano, as his team held Adamson to just seven points in the first period, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

"Fortunately for this team, we were able to get some shots in transition, so that really helped us. Nagkasabay ang offense at defense namin in this game."

Emmanuel Mbe was a difference-maker on both ends of the floor, tallying 21 points, 10 rebounds and four steals. Reigning MVP Ray Ray Parks added 16 markers, six rebounds and five assists.

"I told the boys that every game is important. We have to treat it with a sense of urgency," said Altamirano.

The Bulldogs showed good ball movement early in the first quarter, netting easy baskets for Mbe and Will Porter. Though Jericho Cruz netted easy drives to start the game, turnovers resulted in them trailing, 8-7.

Adamson was solid defensively as the quarter wound down, but miscues on offense led to wide-open layups for the Bulldogs at the other end. Parks put NU on his shoulders in their halfcourt sets, tallying five markers to end the first quarter on a 13-0 run, 21-7.

The Falcons looked to recover in the second period, as Rodney Brondial and Roider Cabrera collaborated to get the host team within single digits, 21-12. But the Bulldogs shook off their slow start, attacking the hoop for a 13-5 run, 37-19.

With a minute and change left though, Ingrid Sewa took it upon himself to lead a late charge from the low block, as Adamson ended the half with six unanswered points, 37-25.

The Bulldogs led in turnover points (12-4) and fast break points (12-2) at halftime, despite committing just one less miscue, 10-11. National U shot 15-of-28 (53.6 percent) from the field as a result, while the Falcons were 11-of-27 (40.7 percent).

Mbe carried the Bulldogs after the break, scoring six of their first eight points. The veteran center terrorized Adamson in the lane, including a vicious slam over Brondial in transition, 45-30, immediately forcing the Falcons to call a timeout.

National U widened the lead to 18 points before Cabrera cut it with a trey, 49-35, with two and a half minutes remaining in the third. The Falcons rallied around the basket, pushing the ball off stops to reel off a 7-0 run, but Troy Rosario held the fort for National U in the last minute, scoring an and-one to halt the rally. Rosario registered five of the Bulldogs' last six markers to keep a 55-40 lead after three quarters.

The Bulldogs breached the 20-point margin in the fourth quarter, as Adamson half-heartedly defended their end, 67-43, including giving up a drive by Gelo Alolino with under four minutes to play. National U, however, did not let up and committed to playing tenacious defense the rest of the way. An open-court layup by Robin Roño made it a 77-46 with a minute and change left.

The Bulldogs converted 34-of-66 (51.5 percent) from the field, while holding Adamson to just eight field goals in the second half to complete a 18-of-50 (36 percent) shooting clip.

National U led in many hustle categories as well, including turnover points (20-8), fast break points (23-6) and second-chance points (12-2).

Roider Cabrera top-scored for the Falcons with 12 points. Jericho Cruz added 11 points and four rebounds. - RAF, GMA News


The scores:

NU 80: Mbe 21, Parks 16, Roño 8, Porter 6, Javillonar 6, Alolino 6, Rosario 5, Khobuntin 4,  Neypes 3, Javelona 3, Villamor 2, Perez 0, Labing-isa 0, De Guzman 0, Alejandro 0

ADU 48: Cabrera 12, Cruz 11, Sewa 8, Petilos 5, Brondial 5, Garcia 2, Agustin 2, Abrigo 2, Monteclaro 1, Trollano 0, Rios 0, Ochea 0, Julkipli 0, Inigo 0

Quarter scoring: 21-7, 37-25, 55-40, 80-48