National University (NU) displayed its resiliency as it recovered from a mid-game deficit to beat Ateneo de Manila University 66-50 in a resounding victory in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Blue Eagles led 40–32 before the Bulldogs responded with a huge 25–4 run in the third and fourth quarters, taking a 57–44 lead with just 3:39 remaining.
Jake Figueroa scored 11 points during that stretch, while PJ Palacillo added all seven of his points, leading Ateneo to a disappointing fifth consecutive loss.
During the rally, the Bulldogs out-scored the Blue Eagles, ultimately scoring 34 inside points.
NU head coach Jeff Napa said, “They bounced back from what happened to us against UP. Credit to my team – it's not about me anymore. They figured it out and made it happen.”
After winning their first round matchup 71-66 in overtime, the Bulldogs have now defeated the Blue Eagles in an elimination round matchup.
After a narrow 74–78 loss to the University of the Philippines (UP), NU bounced back to maintain first place with a 7–2 record, one and a half games ahead of nearest rivals UST, DLSU, and UP.
“Jake Figueroa is a given. I needed someone to really step up and be a true leader to help stabilize us on the court. At least these two (Enriquez and Zumamoy) showed their leadership,” Mr. Napa said.
Mr. Figueroa, ranked fifth overall in the statistical race in the first round, led all scorers with 17 points, while grabbing a game-high 15 rebounds with five assists, two steals and one block.
Jolo Manansala, Reinhard Jummoy and Steve Nash Enriquez contributed eight points each in the win.
The Bulldog defense also zoned out on the Blue Eagles, limiting them to just a 26.7% clip – five of 28 from distance.
Gelo Santiago, who recorded only one rebound in 10 minutes, was ejected after a disqualifying foul at the 8:50 mark of the third period for elbowing Vicky Espina in the back of the head.
Both players were on the field after a tough battle for space in the paint.
NU will look to build on its winning streak when it takes on a hot De La Salle University team next Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
After a perfect 4–0 start, Ateneo has lost its last five games to drop to sixth place, the team's worst drop under coach Tab Baldwin.
Kimani Ladi led the Blue Eagles with 12 points on five-of-14 shooting, while Andrew Bongo added nine points and nine rebounds. Dominic Escobar was limited to just six points on five attempts. , John Brian Ulande
Score:
NU (66) – Figueroa 17, Enriquez 8, Zumamoy 8, Manansala 8, Palacillo 7, John 6, Francisco 5, Padrons 5, Dela Cruz 2, Garcia 0, Parks 0, Santiago 0, Tulabut 0.
Ateneo (50) – Laddi 12, Bongo 9, Escobar 6, Espinosa 5, Tuano 4, Lazaro 4, Espina 3, Fjellvang 3, Lazo 2, Bahay 2, Nieto 0, Gamber 0.
Quarterscore: 15-19, 30-30, 46-40, 66-50
