Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The National University Bulldogs repulsed the University of the Philippines, 80-69, to gain a share of the second spot on Saturday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Matt Salem finished the game with a career-high of 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting and seven rebounds.
After being down by 11 at the half, UP fought its way back and inched closer, 59-57, midway in the final quarter.
Rookie JV Gallego’s three-pointer at the 2:15 mark of the fourth quarter proved to be the exclamation point as the Bulldogs pulled away for good en route to their fourth victory in six outings.
The Fighting Maroons fell to 1-6 win-loss card.
Rev Diputado and Gallego contributed 12 points apiece for NU.
Jett Manuel led UP with 21 points and four rebounds.
NU closes its first round campaign when they face Far Eastern University on October 5 (Wednesday) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The scores:
NU (80) — Salem 26, R. Diputado 12, Gallego 12, Alejandro 7, Aroga 7, Mosqueda 5, Pate 5, Salim 4, Morido 2, Aquino 0, C. Diputado 0, Abatayo 0, Rangel 0, Sinclair 0
UP (69) — Manuel 21, Desiderio 11, Moralde 8, Espanola 5, Prado 4, Webb 4, Lao 4, Vito 3, Longa 3, Harris 2, Asilum 2, Jaboneta 2, Lim 0, Dario 0, Romero 0, Gomez De Liano 0
Quarter scores: 12-15; 35-24; 52-46; 80-69
