National University kept its Final Four hopes alive with a 101-81 routing of University of the East in the UAAP Season 84 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Thursday, April 28.
The Bulldogs have improved to 6-7 record at fifth, joining the fray in the Final Four race with the De La Salle Green Archers (7-5), the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (6-6), and the Adamson University Soaring Falcons (5-7) all dealing with their respective opponents at press time.
NU used a strong second quarter to outscore UE and pull away with a comfortable 52-36 lead at halftime.
The Bulldogs secured their lead in the next half before the Red Warriors, behind the efforts of Harvey Pagsanjan and Clint Escamis, retaliated and trim the deficit down to 14 but failed to put the match within striking distance.
"At least maganda 'yong balik namin coming a four games straight na losses. At least we bounced back na two straight games na panalo. Magandang bwelo 'to coming into Sunday's game against La Salle", said NU head coach Jeff Napa.
"Hindi kami puwedeng maging complacent kasi wala na sa kamay namin 'yong sitwayson namin going into Final Four We have to be consistent in what wer'e doing."
Enzo Joson spearheaded the Bulldogs with 15 points on a 6-of-8 shooting to go with three rebounds.
Shaun Ildefonso scored 12 points, Geremy Mahinay added 11 points and six rebounds, Ian Manansala chipped in nine points and nine rebounds, while Jake Figueroa had nine for NU.
Pagsanjan paced the Warriors, who remained winless in 13 games, with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists while Escamis chalked up 15 points, five assists, and five steals.
The Bulldogs and the Archers meet on Sunday, May 1 at their 4:30 p.m. encounter while the Warriors hope to take their first win against the Falcons at 10 a.m.
The Scores:
NU 100 - Joson 15, Ildefonso 12, Mahinay 11, Manansala 9, Figueroa 9, Enriquez 8, Malonzo 6, Clemente 6, Flores 5, Torres 5, Galinato 4, Felicilda 4, Yu 4, Tibayan 2, Gaye 0.
UE 81 - Pagsanjan 16, Escamis 15, Lorenzana 14, Cruz 11, N. Paranada 10, K. Paranada 7, Guevarra 3, Sawat 2, Pascual 2, Beltran 1, Antiporda 0, Villanueva 0, Tulabut 0, Abatayo 0.
Quarterscores: 21-20, 52-36, 77-58, 100-81.