Maroons escape anew, frustrate Bulldogs 80-79

MANILA, Philippines – University of the Philippines survived another close shave, warding off National University, 80-79, Wednesday in the 82nd UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Fighting Maroons lost hold of a 14-point second quarter advantage and a 78-71 lead in the final 2:13, needing a couple of breaks just to eke out the win.

Dave Ildefonso tried to bring the Bulldogs back, none bigger than his trey with 11.6 ticks left, to make it a one-point affair.

David Murrell muffed his freebies late, opening one last window for NU, but John Lloyd Clemente's 15-foot jumper was way short as the final buzzer sounded.

"We need to learn how to close out games as a team. That’s a process," said coach Bo Perasol.

Kobe Paras paced UP with 25 points, six rebounds and two assists as it rose to a 3-1 slate.

Last season's Bright Akhuetie got himself a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, as Javi Gomez de Liano was blazing from deep with his 17 points on a 5-of-7 shooting from three.

It was the fourth straight heartbreak for the Bulldogs as they remained at the cellar at 0-4.

Ildefonso led NU with 25 points, five rebounds, and two assists in another failed heroic try.

Senegalese center Issa Gaye registered 13 points, 13 boards, and one block, while Shaun Ildefonso scored 13 points and seven rebounds.

The scores:

UP 80 – Paras 25, Akhuetie 19, Ja. Gomez de Liano 17, Tungcab 6, Manzo 4, Rivero 4, Longa 3, Murrell 2, Ju. Gomez de Liano 0, Gozum 0, Jaboneta 0, Prado 0, Spencer 0.

NU 79 – D. Ildefonso 25, Gaye 13, S. Ildefonso 13, Gallego 9, Joson 8, Minerva 7, Clemente 2, Mosqueda 2, Diputado 0, Galinato 0, Malonzo 0, Oczon 0, Tibayan 0, Yu 0.
Quarterscores: 18-23, 44-36, 67-59, 80-79.