National University rode a fiery start and sustained it throughout to upset the University of the Philippines, 72-64, in wire-to-wire fashion in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bulldogs stunned the Fighting Maroons with a massive 21-4 start, getting contributions from rookie Mac Alfanta, Paul Francisco, Mo Diassana, PJ Palacielo, and Reinhard Jumamoy, and never looked back.
With the win, NU improved to 2-1 and moved into a three-way tie for first place with UP and Ateneo de Manila University, who also hold identical 2-1 records.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Credit talaga sa mga players. They really stepped up doon sa challenge na kailangan labanan namin kumbaga kasi we’re a young team eh. At least kahit papaano, credit sa mga players sa collective effort na ginawa namin sa game na ito,” said head coach Jeff Napa after the Bulldogs defeated the Fighting Maroons for the first time since also posting a wire-to-wire, 67-47 victory on Nov. 3, 2024.
Francisco gave NU its biggest lead of the game after stealing the ball off an inbound play and converting a free layup at the other end to make it 64-46 with 6:08 remaining.
The Fighting Maroons, however, refused to go down without a fight. Miguel Yñiguez converted a four-point play before hitting another triple to cut UP’s deficit to just nine, 68-59, with 1:24 remaining. But the Bulldogs held on for the statement victory.
“Before yung laro namin, sabi lang naman ni coach sa amin na huwag naming isipin na UP ang kalaban namin. Sabi niya sa amin lagi, na yung sarili lang namin yung kalaban namin so ginawa lang namin yung inensayo namin,” said Alfanta, who finished with 13 points and two blocks.
Jumamoy, despite shooting just 4-for-18 from the field, led NU with 14 points. He also contributed five rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Francisco also stepped up on both ends of the floor with 11 points, six steals, four rebounds, and three assists, while Diassana added 10 points and eight rebounds. Palacielo once again showcased his all-around game with nine points, five rebounds, and four assists.
NU will look to make it three straight wins next Saturday when it takes on Ateneo at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, UP will look to bounce back on Sunday, Oct. 4, against Far Eastern University, also at Philsports.
Arvie Poyos spearheaded the Fighting Maroons’ charge with 13 points, four assists, and three steals, while Veejay Pre added 11 points.
UP’s top gunners were held in check, with Francis Nnoruka scoring six points on five field-goal attempts. James Payosing also finished with six points on just one shot, and Noy Remogat managed three points on nine attempts.
The Scores:
NU (72) — Jumamoy 14, Alfanta 13, Francisco 11, Diassana 10, Palacielo 9, Garcia 4, Laconsay 3, Padrones 2, Reyes 2, Miranda 2, Solomon 2, Figueroa 0, Serrano 0, Cartel 0.
UP (64) — Poyos 13, Pre 11, Yñiguez 10, Bayla 7, Payosing 6, Nnoruka 6, Stevens 4, Remogat 3, Alter 2, Palanca 2, Briones 0, Andres 0, Maga 0.
Quarterscores: 25-12, 38-30, 56-42, 72-64.
