Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The NU Bulldogs proved to be too much for the UP Fighting Maroons, beating them 68-52 in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) on Saturday (September 26) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Gelo Alolino led the Bulldogs with 16 markers, while Alfred Aroga chipped in with 12 points and 22 rebounds.
After a competitive opening period, the defending champions showed off their title credentials with a strong second quarter showing to end the half with a 38-27 advantage.
Alolino scored 13 points including four triples during that canto.
The second period spurt proved to be decisive, as the Maroons failed to fight their way back into the game in the final two quarters.
NU would keep their advantage intact throughout the second half to win 68-52, and claim their third straight win.
But despite winning three on the bounce, head coach Eric Altamirano said the team still has a long way to go.
“It’s good to have three straight wins, especially coming from 0-3, but we still have long way to go,” said Altamirano.
“We’re starting to get our bearing.”
Jose Manuel paced the Fighting Maroons with 16 points.
The Bulldogs will go on to challenge the FEU Tamaraws on October 7, while the Maroons will take on the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Battle of Katipunan on Wednesday (September 30).
