Bulldogs trip Tams, tie Maroons in the lead

MANILA, Philippines — National University forged a joint lead with University of the Philippines after a gritty 69-65 win over Far Eastern University in a battle of emerging contenders to close the first round of UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball yesterday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Bulldogs locked down the usually potent Tamaraws, limiting them to just 18 points in the entire second half to secure their third straight win and improve to 5-2 – tied with the Fighting Maroons for the best record.

By virtue of its 72-64 head-to-head win over UP, NU will momentarily hold the top spot heading into the second round.

Macmac Alfanta led a balanced attack with 14 points for the Bulldogs, whose three-game streak is now tied with UP for the longest active run this season.

PJ Palacielo and Tebol Garcia added 13 points apiece, while Reinhard Jumamoy and Paul Francisco chipped in 12 and 10, respectively. Malian player Mo Diassana anchored the defense with seven points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks.

It was NU’s defense that proved decisive. After allowing 47 points in the first half and trailing by as many as nine, 35-44, the Bulldogs – who lost core players Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Jolo Manansala to graduation – clamped down when it mattered most. They held FEU to just seven points in the fourth quarter and scoreless in the final five minutes after staring at a 63-65 deficit.

“Malaking bagay ito para sa character ng team, especially marami kaming bata. Kahit paano, nangingibabaw ‘yung willingness nila to work hard para mapantayan namin ‘yung effort ng kalaban. Kailangan lang namin maging consistent,” said NU coach Jeff Napa.

In the second match, Matty Erolon sank the go-ahead trey as Adamson stunned reigning champion La Salle, 63-60, to join a crowded second place with FEU and Santo Tomas.