Bulldogs pound Tigers; Eagles outscore Falcons

MANILA, Philippines - National U proved its worth in the post-Bobby Ray Parks Jr. era as it demolished old tormentor University of Santo Tomas, 59-40, in the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

The Bulldogs broke the game wide open with a 12-2 blast sparked by Troy Rosario to start the third period and never let up en route to the rout over the erratic opponent that knocked them off the title picture the last two seasons.

“We played sound defense and they didn’t shoot well,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano, whose wards held UST to a 29 percent clip and the lowest output since La Salle posted the same score in a 40-56 setback to the Bulldogs in 2011.

Rosario banged in all of his points in the decisive penultimate period to backstop Gelo Alolino’s 13 markers while import Alfred Aroga and new recruit Rev Diputado added eight points apiece in a balanced attack for the team that heavily relied on Parks the past seasons.

“It’s a new season and we’ve moved on. I think the players understand that Ray is already gone. I’ve told them it has to be a collective effort, everybody must do his share,” Altamirano said.

NU’s bench players chipped in 24 markers to help them join the early leaders atop the standings.

“Our second unit did a good job there - they made stops and we’re able to run and made some points off transition,” he said.

Karim Abdul put up an 11-point, 11-rebound effort for UST, which committed 26 turnovers that NU converted to 22 markers.

Earlier, Ateneo, with Kiefer Ravena taking charge, unraveled its fast-paced game in routing a fumbling Adamson side, 79-57.

“I don’t think how we played today is going to be the gauge of how we’re going to perform this season but I’m just glad we’re able to get our first win,” said Ateneo coach Bo Perasol, whose team skipped the summer leagues and opted to train overseas.

The Eagles punished the rookie-laden Falcons with a stifling pressing defense to create scoring opportunities that led to 22 points off turnovers and set the tone for the easy win.

“We really wanted to get it done because I think that was the key, quickening of the pace against Adamson,” said Perasol, whose wards scored 22 points off AdU’s 22 turnovers.

“I was happy with how we executed but it happened against a team that’s rebuilding and I would be happier if it was against FEU or La Salle but it was against Adamson, a rebuilding team just like us,” he added.

Ravena rifled in 22 points spiked by two highlight dunks.