Mo Diassana delivered his best performance for National University on Saturday, and it came against one of the UAAP’s most dominant foreign student-athletes in University of Santo Tomas’ Collins Akowe.
The 6-foot-9 center from Mali put up monster numbers, finishing with 16 points on an efficient eight-of-11 shooting from the field, along with 19 rebounds, nine of which came on the offensive end.
He also posted a plus-12 rating in 32 minutes of action as the Bulldogs escaped with a 75-71 victory over the Growling Tigers in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
On the other end, Diassana made life difficult for Akowe, who ranked second in the statistical points race after the first round.
The reigning Rookie of the Year and Elite Team member was limited to just 11 points on two-of-seven shooting and five rebounds. He also finished with a minus-15 rating in 33 minutes and 14 seconds on the floor.
Despite delivering a masterful performance on both ends of the floor, however, Diassana was quick to downplay his effort and remained humble when asked about his matchup with Akowe.
“Impossible. You cannot stop that man,” said the 22-year-old Diassana.
“You just have to limit him. I’m not here to play against Collins only; I’m here to play against UST,” he continued.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Amid their head-to-head on the court, the mutual respect between the two remained evident. Diassana even revealed that they share a close friendship off the hardwood.
“Yeah, Collins is a brother to me. Outside the court, we talk every time. We cool,” shared Diassana.
Now carrying a 7-3 record, just half a game behind league-leader University of the Philippines, the Bulldogs have their sights set on more than just another Final Four appearance.
Having fallen short of their ultimate goal in previous campaigns, NU is determined to go all the way this time around and capture the championship.
The Bulldogs will next face defending champion De La Salle University on November 8, still at the Big Dome.
“I mean, like, we just came prepared. We came from a loss last game, so that’s the only thing we have to do to win. We came to win the game,” said Diassana.
“This year, we’re not here to be in the Final Four. We’re here to get the championship.”
