National University completed a dramatic comeback from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter, narrowly escaping Far Eastern University with a 62-60 victory in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Janrey Pasaol missed crucial free throws with 1.1 seconds left at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
Mo Konateh opened the final period with a basket for the Tamaraws, giving them a comfortable 57-44 lead.
However, that moment marked the start of FEU’s downfall.
On the ensuing play, Tebol Garcia sparked NU’s resurgence with a layup, triggering a 15-0 run.
Contributions from Kenshin Padrones, Paul Francisco, and Jake Figueroa – capped by a crucial Donn Lim three-pointer – shifted the momentum entirely.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Bulldogs surged ahead, 59-57, with 4:33 left in the game.
Veejay Pre then went 3-of-4 from the free-throw line, momentarily reclaiming the lead for FEU at 60-59. But PJ Palacielo responded with a quick basket, putting NU back in front, 61-60, with 3:03 remaining.
The Tamaraws struggled under pressure, committing critical errors in their next three possessions – a 24-second violation and back-to-back turnovers, the last one occurring with just 35 seconds left.
In the final moments, Garcia and FEU’s Royce Alforque both missed key shots.
As time wound down, an intentional foul sent Palacielo to the line with 6.4 seconds remaining. He split his free throws, extending NU’s lead to 62-60.
The Tamaraws’ last chance went to rookie Pasaol, who put up a three-pointer from the left wing with 1.1 seconds to go and was fouled by Palacielo.
However, he missed all three free throws, and Figueroa secured the rebound to seal the win for NU.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Pinagkatiwalaan ko silang maglaro, so ganon naman sinabi ko sa kanila eh. It depends on them talaga kung ano yung magiging result ng game. Nagbigay lang ako ng kaunting pointers pero sila pa rin yung dumidiskarte,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa as the Bulldogs improved their record to 1-1.
Despite not having a single player score in double digits, the Bulldogs managed to pull through.
Palacielo led the team with nine points and six rebounds, while Jake Figueroa added eight points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block.
Padrones contributed eight points and 10 rebounds, and Francisco chipped in with seven points, four rebounds, and four steals.
The Bulldogs played without their Malian center Mo Diassana, who injured his left knee in their previous game against De La Salle University last Sunday.
Napa revealed postgame that Diassana will miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL.
Konateh led the Tamaraws with 17 points and 16 rebounds – nine on the offensive end. Pre also tallied 15 points and nine rebounds in the loss.
After sliding down to 0-2, FEU under new head coach Sean Chambers continues to shoot for its first win on Wednesday against University of the East at 4:30 PM.
The Scores:
NU 62 – Palacielo 9, Figueroa 8, Padrones 8, Francisco 7, Enriquez 6, Garcia 5, Jumamoy 5, Santiago 4, Perciano 4, Lim 3, Tulabut 2, Yu 1, Manansala 0, Dela Cruz 0, Parks 0.
FEU 60 – Konateh 17, Pre 15, Pasaol 7, Bautista 7, Alforque 6, Bagunu 4, Daa 4, Añonuevo 0, Montemayor 0, Nakai 0, Ona 0.
Quarterscores: 13-24, 31-33, 44-55, 62-60
