NU stuns defending champion UP
By NIKOLE JAVIER
National University stunned defending champion University of the Philippines, 80-75, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Omar John posted a career-high game of 16 points and nine rebounds while Kean Baclaan added 13 points apart from four boards and four assists for the Bulldogs, who hiked their win-loss tally to 3-1.
Not only NU dealt UP its first loss in the season but also forced them a three-way tie with the Maroons and the Ateneo Eagles.
The Bulldogs squandered a 12-point advantage in the third period which gave the Fighting Maroons a chance to turn the tides in their favor and snatched the lead back with 1:09 to go, 66-60.
But NU recomposed itself and launched a 15-1 blast to grab the 75-67 upperhand this time.
With more than a minute in regulation, Carl Tamayo drained a triple to cut UP’s deficit to three, 78-75, but it turned out to be the Maroons’ last stand as Steve Nash Enriquez converted two freethrows to complete the upset win for NU.
“Good win for us. At least, kumbaga we beat a very tough team talaga. Hindi naman talaga [madali] that’s why they’re the defending champions eh. Up to the last minute, talagang nag-build kami ng kung ano talaga iyong kailangan naming gawin para makuha namin iyong panalo. Hats off din talaga sa UP, kaya talaga sila ‘yong defending champions.” said NU head coach Jeff Napa.
Zavier Lucero led UP’s scorers with 22 points and eight rebounds while Tamayo posted another double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds which went for naught this time around.
The Scores:
NU 80 — John 16, Baclaan 13, Figueroa 10, Enriquez 10, Minerva 6, Clemente 6, Malonzo 5, Yu 4, Galinato 4, Mahinay 2, Manansala 2, Tibayan 2, Padrones 0, Palacielo 0.
UP 75 — Lucero 22, Tamayo 17, Abadiano 11, Alarcon 9, Diouf 7, Fortea 6, Gonzales 2, Spencer 1, Galinato 0, Ramos 0, Calimag 0.
Quarters: 23-24, 50-42, 66-66, 80-75.