At A Glance
- National University booked its second straight Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament following a 68-57 drubbing of Far Eastern University on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
National University booked its second straight Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament following a 68-57 drubbing of Far Eastern University on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bulldogs and the UP Fighting Maroons both share 9-2 records in the standings as the latter booked the first Final Four seat earlier.
Jake Figueroa led the balanced attack with 15 points and six rebounds on a decent 6-of-8 shooting.
Jolo Manansala and PJ Palacielo added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
NU pulled away for good early in the fourth period and jumped to its biggest lead of 66-48 on a Manansala dunk at the 6:02 mark.
Although the FEU side managed to make a 7-0 counter run which ended in a Patrick Sleat jumper, NU's consistent display throughout the game was enough for them to seal the victory.
“Hindi naman dito natatapos yun eh. Meron kaming goal. Meron din kaming pangarap na gusto naming ma-achieve. Kaya namin china-challenge yung sarili namin para at least malaman namin kung saan ba talaga kami, kung saan kami aabot,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa.
Graduating L-Jay Gonzales’ double-double finish of 14 points and 11 rebounds went for naught as the Tamaraws hung tough in the standings with a 3-8 slate.
FEU is now in a must-win all games situation while simultaneously hoping that Adamson, Ateneo, University of the East lose their respective games.