At A Glance
- National University extended its hot streak after defeating University of Santo Tomas, 76-69, to go three in a row in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament at the Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Jake Figueroa shines for NU. (UAAP Media)
National University extended its hot streak after defeating University of Santo Tomas, 76-69, to go three in a row in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Down by one, 66-67, midway through the fourth quarter, Jake Figueroa rose to the occasion after scoring five of his 22 points in the waning minutes to give the Bulldogs a 73-69 separation that ultimately silenced the Tigers and their homecourt fans.
NU hiked its record to 3-0 and shared the lead with Ateneo, while UST absorbed its first defeat for a 2-1 slate.
The Bulldogs found answers to contain Collins Akowe and limited the 6-foot-10 Nigerian center to just five points on a 1-of-7 shooting from the field.
“The players really worked hard talaga na makuha ‘to. They followed the game plan and they are disciplined to do it,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa. “The effort is there yun naman ang laging sinasabi ko sa kanila.”
Figueroa also collected nine rebounds, two assists, and one block in almost 35 minutes of play. PJ Palacielo and Tebold Garcia added 10 and nine points, respectively.
Omar John also provided the support with a double-double effort of 10 points and 12 rebounds with two assists, two steals and three blocks.
“Tinake advantage ko lang ‘yong binigay na responsibilidad saken ni coach na ‘yon nga, kumbaga kailangan kong akuin, so ayon kahit papaano pumapasok naman,” said Figueroa.
Nic Cabañero did it all with 19 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while Amiel Acido impressed with 18 points. Mark Llemit and Forthsky Padrigao, for their part, combined for 22 points in a losing cause.
NU and UST plunge into action right away as they take on reigning champion University of the Philippines and University of the East this Saturday, Oct. 4, at the same venue.