NU put away a stubborn DLSU squad as the Bulldogs made it back-to-back wins and rose to the top of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball standings.
The NU Bulldogs continued to prove their case as a legitimate title contender after a thrilling 82-78 escape over the DLSU Green Archers, claiming solo first in UAAP Season 88 on Sunday, Oct. 12, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
With NU up 77-75 with 12 seconds left of regulation, Reinhard Jumamoy came out of nowhere to pick the pocket of Mike Phillips after a rebound, giving the Bulldogs a valuable possession.
The play led to Phillips fouling out and Paul Francisco making two free throws to make it a four-point NU lead with seven seconds left.
Kean Baclaan tried to keep DLSU alive with a crucial three to make it 78-79, but Jumamoy closed things out calmly sink two more free throws for NU.
A costly LeBron Daep turnover paved the way to another pair of NU free throws and the Bulldogs held on to secure their fifth win in six games, delivering another statement victory — this time over last year’s runners-up.
Jake Figueroa scored 18 points to pace the Bulldogs, with PJ Palacielo adding 16.
Phillips and Jacob Cortez scored 15 markers to lead the Green Archers, who lost Mason Amos midway through the final frame with an apparent knee injury. La Salle fell to 2-3 with the loss.
DLSU resumes its campaign on Wednesday, October 15, against the win-hungry UE Red Warriors (0-5), while NU is set to tackle the Ateneo Blue Eagles (4-2) next.
—
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.