National University finally put an end to their heartbreaking four-game skid in emotional fashion, taking down Ateneo de Manila University, 78-68, in a UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball clash on Saturday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bulldogs, fueled by a deep desire to redeem themselves, delivered a gutsy performance to close out the first round on a high.
NU head coach Jeff Napa even fought back tears during the post-game press conference. He hailed the victory as a much-needed confidence booster for his embattled squad.
“Finally. At least na-break na namin ‘yung four-game losing streak na heartbreak. Hopefully, this win will give us confidence going into the second round,” said Napa.
The Bulldogs, who had only won previously against Far Eastern University, ended the first round on a positive note and improved to 2-5 and securing solo sixth place.
Ateneo mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, with Andrew Bongo, Kyle Gamber, and Shawn Tuano spearheading a 12-5 run. Their performance brought the Blue Eagles within five points, 58-63, with 6:16 left in the game.
This came after Ateneo had trailed by as much as 14 points in the third quarter, 29-43.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
However, Kenshin Padrones, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Jake Figueroa responded for NU. They scored eight unanswered points to extend the lead to 71-58 with just under three minutes remaining.
Padrones had a standout performance, finishing with 18 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Figueroa contributed an all-around effort with 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
“Alam naman natin na malaking kawalan si Mo (Diassana) para sa amin,” said Figueroa, referencing their injured Gambian center.
“Nagtiwala lang kami sa isa’t isa and kung ano man ‘yung adjustment na ginagawa ni coach, nagtiwala lang kami and stick together lang.”
Enriquez added nine points, while Jolo Manansala chipped in with eight.
Despite limited playing time, Tebol Garcia and Paul Francisco made valuable contributions, scoring seven and six points, respectively.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ateneo’s struggles continued with its third consecutive loss, dropping them to 1-6, tying them with FEU for seventh and eighth place.
The Tamaraws defeated the Blue Eagles last Sunday, 66-65.
Bongo led Ateneo with 17 points, sinking five three-pointers, while Jared Bahay added 15 points, though he needed 16 attempts to get there.
Key player Kristian Porter, who had been instrumental in Ateneo’s previous games, was held scoreless in nearly 18 minutes of play. He managed just one shot and one rebound.
This win provides NU with much-needed momentum as they head into the second round, while Ateneo continues to search for answers in its troubled campaign.
The Scores:
NU 78 – Padrones 18, Figueroa 15, Enriquez 9, Manansala 8, Garcia 7, Francisco 6, Jumamoy 4, Palacielo 4, Perciano 3, Dela Cruz 2, Lim 1, Santiago 1, Yu 0, Parks 0.
Ateneo 68 – Bongo 17, Bahay 15, Lazaro 7, Gamber 7, Balogun 6, Tuano 5, Espinosa 4, Koon 2, Quitevis 2, Espina 2, Ong 1, Porter 0.
Quarterscores: 15-13, 34-28, 58-46, 78-68.
