University of the Philippines sent a strong message in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament after dominating back-to-back bronze medalist National University, 89-62, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
NU actually struck first with a point on a split from the free throw line by Jake Figueroa.
However, UP quickly took over, controlling the rest of the game.
By the end of the first quarter, UP had already doubled NU’s output, taking a commanding 29-14 lead.
Mark Belmonte, who started for the third consecutive game, set his UAAP career-high with 12 points by halftime.
The 6-foot-5 sophomore from San Sebastian ended up with 14 points on an impressive 6-of-7 shooting from the field. He also had three rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block, posting a game-high plus-29 rating in just over 15 minutes of action.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
JD Cagulangan, Francis Lopez, and Gerry Abadiano also made significant contributions, helping UP build a 53-26 advantage by the break.
“Definitely, much better than the last game. Coach Gold always talks about improvement, so kasama dun yung response ng mga players,” said UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon, reflecting on the team’s performance.
With this victory, the Fighting Maroons improved to 3-0, tying with their Season 86 Finals rival, De La Salle University Green Archers, at the top of the standings.
Cagulangan added 13 points and four assists, while Lopez and Quentin Millora-Brown chipped in eight points each.
UP now turns its attention to its next match-up against Far Eastern University, which will take place on Sunday at 4:30 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
For NU, this defeat marked its largest under head coach Jeff Napa, dropping them to a 1-2 record.
Figueroa was the only Bulldog to score in double figures for the Bulldogs, finishing with 11 points. Jolo Manansala contributed nine points and 10 rebounds.
The Bulldogs will look to bounce back when they face the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Saturday, also at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
UP 89 – Belmonte 14, Cagulangan 13, Millora-Brown 8, Lopez 8, Abadiano 7, Ududo 6, Torculas 6, Felicilda 6, Fortea 5, Bayla 4, Alter 4, Alarcon 3, Briones 3, Torres 2, Walker 0, Stevens 0.
NU 62 – Figueroa 11, Manansala 9, Garcia 6, Jumamoy 6, Enriquez 5, Yu 5, Santiago 4, Francisco 4, Perciano 4, Tulabut 4, Palacielo 2, Padrones 2, Lim 0, Parks 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 29-14, 53-26, 76-41, 89-62.
