MANILA – National University Bulldogs dealt the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons its first loss in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball with an 80-75 stunner on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With the Bulldogs clinging to a 12-point lead in the third quarter, the Fighting Maroons turned the tables with a 22-4 scoring blast for a 66-60 edge with over a minute in the quarter.
The Bulldogs retaliated with a 15-1 rally bridging through the fourth frame to take a 75-67 advantage. UP made its last push at 75-78 before NU relied on the steady hands of Steve Nash Enriquez to seal the win.
Omar John tallied career-high 16 points to go with nine rebounds, three blocks and three assists, while Kean Baclaan added 13 markers as the Bulldogs tied the Fighting Maroons on top with 3-1 slate.
“Good win for us. We defeated a very tough team,” Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa said. “Up to the last talagang nag-bleed kami kung anong kailangan namin gawin para makuha namin ‘yung panalo.”
For the defending champions Fighting Maroons, Zavier Lucero ended with 22 points and eight rebounds while Carl Tamayo got double-double 17 points and 11 rebounds.
In the first game, Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles also moved to a share of top spot with the Bulldogs and the Fighting Maroons following a lopsided 79-52 beating of University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.
Holding to a slim 34-33 halftime lead, the Blue Eagles leaned on the outside conversions of Dave Ildefonso and Rence Padrigao and inside attacks Bryson Ballungay for a 58-44 lead.
The Blue Eagles continued its rampage in the fourth quarter as they held the Growling Tigers scoreless in the first seven minutes before the dryspell was broken by a free throw by Kenji Duremdes.
Padrigao finished with career-high 20 points, eight assists and five steals, Ildefonso had 10 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Ballungay also ended up with 10 markers for the Blue Eagles.
BOX SCORE:
NU 80 – John 16, Baclaan 13, Enriquez 10, Figueroa 10, Minerva 6, Clemente 6, Malonzo 5, Yu 4, Galinato 4, Mahinay 2, Tibayan 2, Manansala 2, Palacielo 0, Padrones 0.
UP 75 – Lucero 22, Tamayo 17, Abadiano 11, Alarcon 9, Diouf 7, Fortea 6, Gonzales 2, Spencer 1, Galinato 0, Calimag 0, Ramos 0.
Quarterscores: 23-24, 50-42, 66-66, 80-75./PN
