PJ Palacielo and Reinhard Jumamoy outscored La Salle in the fourth quarter, 18-17, to power the NU Bulldogs to first place in the UAAP Season 88 standings.
“Who let the dogs out?”
PJ Palacielo and Reinhard Jumamoy joined forces to propel the NU Bulldogs past the DLSU Green Archers, 82-78, continuing their surge in the first round of UAAP Season 88.
[ALSO READ: NU barks way to solo first in UAAP Season 88 with close call vs La Salle]
Palacielo, who finished with 16 points, scored 10 of those in the fourth quarter to provide NU the much-needed push to secure the win.
Jumamoy, meanwhile, put up all eight of his points in the final frame, hitting two crucial three-pointers and a clutch seal against Mike Phillips in the game’s dying moments.
Trailing 55-61 to start the fourth, NU flipped its switch and the Bulldogs later took a 76-70 advantage with 1:55 left.
DLSU, though, wasn’t done yet as Kean Baclaan drained a three-pointer with 4.4 seconds remaining to pull the Green Archers within one, 78-79.
But Jumamoy sealed the game with two free throws on the other end, pushing NU ahead 81-78.
[Reinhard Jumamoy drives past Jacob Cortez in the first NU-DLSU game of UAAP Season 88 | Photo: The UAAP]
“They really wanted it [to win vs. DLSU]. You could see that their focus on what they’re doing and are relaxed. We know that when we entered this game, alam nila ‘yung gagawin nila,” NU assistant coach Vic Ycasiano said.
With the win, NU improved to 5-1, reclaiming the top spot in the standings, just ahead of idle UST (4-1) and Ateneo (4-2).
Winning bark, deadlier bite
Last season, NU finished with only five wins and missed the Final Four. In matching that output before the first round is even over, the Bulldogs are no longer just the surprise team of Season 88, instead positioning themselves as a true title contender.
“Kailangan talaga namin gumawa ng paraan kung ano ‘yung bubutasan naman sa kanila para makatagos kami sa kanila,” Palacielo said on his motivation against the Green Archers.
For Jumamoy, the focus wasn’t just on his offense.
“Lagi sinasabi din ng mga coaches sakin na kailangan kong i-improve is ‘yung depensa ko sa ensayo and lalo na sa games. Tumatak talaga sa isip ko na depensa muna bago opensa.”
The Bulldogs will close out their opening round against the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday, October 19, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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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.