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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Maroons turn back Bulldogs for second straight win

Maroons turn back Bulldogs for second straight win

Published Oct 4, 2025 07:48 pm

At A Glance

  • The Fighting Maroons shook off a lethargic first half and leaned on their trademark defensive intensity, limiting the Bulldogs to just 19 points across the last two quarters to complete their comeback victory.
Francis Nnoruka banners UP's charge. (UAAP Images)
Francis Nnoruka banners UP's charge. (UAAP Images)
Reigning champion University of the Philippines bucked a slow start and handed National University its first loss with a 66-59 come-from-behind win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila on Saturday, Oct. 4.
The Fighting Maroons shook off a lethargic first half and leaned on their trademark defensive intensity, limiting the Bulldogs to just 19 points across the last two quarters to complete their comeback victory.
It was the second straight win for UP after a 92-75 triumph over University of the East last weekend, improving its win-loss tally to 2-2.
NU, meanwhile, absorbed its first defeat to slip at 3-1 to join University of Santo Tomas in the standings.
The Maroons relied on a balanced offensive effort, with Francis Nnoruka leading the charge with 14 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Gani Stevens chipped in 10 points, while Miguel Yniguez and Harold Alarcon added eight points apiece along with solid contributions in other departments.
Noy Remogat also made his presence felt with six points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Steve Nash Enriquez posted 16 points, two rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Jello Santiago and Jake Figueroa chipped in 10 and nine points, respectively. Omar John had a quiet four points.
Though both squads struggled to find their rhythm offensively, NU managed to pull ahead in the first half, thanks to a suffocating defensive effort that allowed them to create a comfortable cushion.
However, the tide turned after halftime, as the Bulldogs’ offense collapsed -- managing just nine points in the third quarter. The Maroons, despite their own shooting struggles, seized the opportunity and slowly chipped away at the deficit.
Nnoruka and Stevens sparked the momentum shift, before Reyland Torres knocked down a crucial jumper to give UP a commanding 65-53 lead, effectively shutting the door on NU’s late-game push.
Meanwhile, Tin Cayabyab stood out and powered defending champ NU past erstwhile unblemished UP, 95-58, to improve its win-loss record to 2-1.
Cayabyab starred for the Lady Bulldogs after uncorking 26 points, while Karl Ann Pingol and Marga Villanueva chipped in 14 and 11 points, respectively. 
Marielle Vingno led the Fighting Maroons' scoring department where she poured in 13.  Shane Cunanan and Louna Ozar added 10 and nine points. 
The scores: 
UP (66) – Nnoruka 14, Stevens 10, Alarcon 8, Yniguez 8, Remogat 6, Fortea 5, Bayla 4, Torres 4, Belmonte 4, Briones 3, Abadiano 0, Palanca 0.
NU (59) – Enriquez 16, Santiago 10, Figueroa 9, Palacielo 7, Francisco 4, Manansala 4, John 4, Jumamoy 3, Padrones 2, Garcia 0, Parks 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 13-19, 34-40, 48-49, 66-59.
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