MANILA – National University Bulldogs cruised to an 80-76 escape over De La Salle University Green Archers to stay on top in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Steve Nash Enriquez top-scored with 16 points, including four triples, to go with three rebounds and three assists as the Bulldogs recorded its fourth consecutive victory for a 5-1 win-loss slate.
John Lloyd Clemente had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, Omar John got 15 points, 12 rebounds, four steals, and two blocks as Jake Figueroa contributed 12 points for NU.
The victory also snapped the Bulldogs’ 10-game losing skid against the Green Archers. NU last won over DLSU in October 28, 2015 during UAAP Season 78.
“Nakahinga rin ako! Isa sa mga big boys ito (La Salle) eh. We’re down ng third quarter, we have to change our momentum para mapunta sa amin ‘yung way,” said NU coach Jeff Napa.
The Bulldogs were down 61-63 after three quarter before launching a huge fourth quarter assault behind the collective efforts of Enriquez, Clemente, John and Figueroa for a 79-73 edge.
Kevin Quiambao pulled La Salle within three with a triple with 58.2 seconds left but he misfired his next trey for the equalizer. Clemente sealed the win for NU with his free throws.
Quimbao and Michael Phillips tallied 15 points each, Evan Nelle contributed 14 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, while Deschon Winston struggled with just 12 points as the Green Archers dropped to 3-3.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles returned to their winning ways with a 76-55 rout of Adamson University Falcons. Ateneo moves up to 4-2, while Adamson dropped to 2-4.
Bryson Ballungay top-scored with 21 points, including three outside conversions, while Dave Ildefonso contributed 15 markers as the Blue Eagles bounced back from a loss to University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons last Sunday.
BOX SCORE:
NU 80 — Clemente 16, Enriquez 16, John 15, Figueroa 12, Malonzo 6, Baclaan 5, Yu 4, Galinato 2, Manansala 2, Mahinay 2, Minerva 0, Tibayan 0, Palacielo 0, Tulabut 0, Padrones 0.
DLSU 76 — Quiambao 15, M. Phillips 15, Nelle 14, Winston 12, Abadam 7, Nwankwo 4, Manuel 3, Estacio 3, Cortez 2, B. Phillips 1, Escandor 0.
Quarterscores: 23-17, 40-41, 61-63, 80-76./PN
