Dave Yu looked comfortable under the National University’s new system, helping start the Jamike Jarin-era on a high note as the Bulldogs took an 86-69 wire-to-wire win over the University of the East Red Warriors, Saturday afternoon.
The fourth-year Cebuano combo guard scored eight of his 14 points in the third frame.
“This to my left, I don’t know what he ate this morning but he should continue eating it,” beamed first-year NU head coach Jamike Jarin.
During that frame, the score was knotted at 42-all, before NU went on a 17-3 run capped by five-straight points from Yu.
NU’s lead would go to as high as 17 points, 82067 after a basket by Matthew Aquino with 3:27 remaining.
Reggie Morido added 12 points and six rebounds, while skipper JJay Alejandro finished with 11 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and five steals.
Still, Jarin downplayed the win, saying that the Bulldogs — though impressive in their debut — still have a lot to work on.
“There are a lot of things to work on, especially in this tournament. A lot of mistakes, a lot of excitement. Always hard to play the opening game,” added Jarin, who steered the San Beda Red Lions to the NCAA championship a year ago.
Alvin Pasaol paced UE with 14 points, while Mark Maloles and Rey Acuno added 10 points each.
The BUlldogs imposed their size on the Red Warriors, out-rebounding them 61-41, with Issa Gate hauling down nine boards to go along with his 11 points and three swats.
Jarin will take on a familiar face in the Bulldogs’ next outing, as NU will face Aldin Ayo and the De La Salle University Green Archers on Saturday, September 16, at 2:00pm. UE, on the other hand, will figure in this season’s first Battle of the East on Wednesday, September 13 at 2:00pm.
The Scores:
NU 86 – Yu 14, Morido 12, Alejandro 11, Gaye 11, Aquino 9, Diputado 6, Salem 5, Abatayo 5, Bartlett 5, Mosqueda 4, Joson 2, Lastimosa 2, Cauilan 0, Tibayan 0, Flores 0.
UE 69 – Pasaol 14, Maloles 10, Acuno 10, Olayon 6, Derige 5, Armenion 5, Abanto 5, Manalang 4, Varilla 2, Conner 2, Cruz 2, Bartolome 2, Cullar 2, Gagate 0.
Quarterscores: 20-13, 38-30, 66-53, 86-69.
