The University of the Philippines completed a comeback victory over National University, 66–59, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
With the win, UP improved to 2–2, while NU absorbed its first loss after opening the season with three straight wins.
The Fighting Maroons erased a 13-point deficit as NU led 47-34 in the third period before they inched closer and eventually ended the said frame trailing, 49–48.
The Diliman-based squad opened the final frame with an 8–0 run to claim the lead with five minutes remaining. PJ Palacielo’s split from the line briefly halted the momentum, but a jumper by Gani Stevens pushed UP’s total to 58 with about three minutes left.
After Palacielo’s free throws, UP responded with another 7–1 spurt, capped by a Reyland Torres jumper that stretched the lead to 12 with 34 seconds to go. Jake Figueroa answered with a three-pointer, followed by Palacielo’s jumper and Figueroa’s split from the line to trim the deficit to six. However, Stevens’ free throw sealed the victory for UP.
Francis Nnoruka led the Fighting Maroons with 14 points and six rebounds, while Gani Stevens contributed 10 points.
Steve Nash Enriquez paced the Bulldogs with 16 points, while Gelo Santiago added 10.
Scores:
UP 66 – Nnoruka 14, Stevens 10, Alarcon 8, Yniguez 8, Remogat 6, Fortea 5, Bayla 4, Torres 4, Belmonte 4, Briones 3, Abadiano 0, Palanca 0.
NU 59 – Enriquez 16, Santiago 10, Figueroa 9, Palacielo 7, Francisco 4, Manansala 4, John 4, Jumamoy 3, Padrones 2, Garcia 0, Parks 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarters: 13-19, 34-40, 48-49, 66-59.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
