Chasing their best start since UAAP Season 86, the NU Bulldogs gear up for a challenging final opening-round clash with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
NU is set to go for the solo lead in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament as the Bulldogs collide with the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday, October 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tip-off is at 2:00 p.m.
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At 5-1, NU has matched its best start since Season 86 and will aim to close the opening round with a third straight win.
The Bulldogs are coming off a narrow 82-78 victory over the DLSU Green Archers in their previous game.
Jake Figueroa led NU with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Paul Francisco and Gelo Santiago contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Reinhard Jumamoy, for his part, scored all of his eight points in the final frame, including two clutch threes and some crucial defensive plays that help foil DLSU's late charge in the waning moments of regulation.
[ALSO READ: PJ Palacielo, Reinhard Jumamoy show way as NU sustains fiery start in UAAP Season 88]
Now, the Bulldogs face a tough challenge against a title contender like the Blue Eagles, which is eager to snap a two-game skid.
Still, NU holds a psychological edge over Ateneo, having won three of their last four meetings.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]