Reinhard Jumamoy showed heart beyond his years, knocking down the winner that carried National University to a thrilling 105-102, double-overtime win over University of the Philippines on Tuesday at Villar Coliseum in Las Pinas City.
Jumamoy, a mythical team member back in UAAP Season 85 for the Bullpups, knocked down a cold-blooded triple over Joel Cagulangan with 5.87 seconds left in double overtime.
Off a timeout, Harold Alarcon attempted a desperation three over two defenders but was blocked. The NU win set up a clash between the Bulldogs and the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Thursday at the same venue.
It was a valiant outing for Jumamoy and the Bulldogs as the likes of Omar John, Jolo Manansala, Jake Figueroa, and Steve Nash Enriquez missed the game.
Moreover, Donn Lim (24 points, seven assists, and five rebounds) and Paul Francisco (21 points) both cramped up in the contest.
Jumamoy wound up with 17 points, five steals, and four rebounds while Mohamed Diassana got six points and 11 rebounds. PJ Palacielo also added 17 markers.
UP did not have the likes of CJ Cansino and Terrence Fortea in the contest. It was led by Malick Diouf, who had 24 points and 14 rebounds.
Cagulangan flirted with a triple-double with 12 rebounds, nine assists, and eight points. Meanwhile, Gerry Abadiano and Alarcon got 14 apiece.
In the other semis pairing, Ateneo absolutely dominated Emilio Aguinaldo College, taking a 97-60 rout.
Kai Ballungay and Mason Amos finished with 20 points apiece, with the former also hauling down seven rebounds.
The Generals shot just 42-percent from the field and a horrid 13-of-30 from the free-throw line.
Ateneo tripped NU in the elimination round, 79-71.
