Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 9) – The National University Bulldogs concluded their first round campaign in the UAAP Season 84 elliminations with a winning record after demolishing the University of the East Red Warriors, 77-61, on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Michael Malonzo and John Lloyd Clemente starred for the Bulddogs win as they finished with 12 points apiece. Malonzo also grabbed 10 rebounds.
The Jeff Napa-mentored Bulldogs ended the first round with a 4-3 record – occupying the fourth spot in the team standings – while the Red Warriors remained winless at 0-7.
NU unleashed its offensive firepower early in the first quarter with a 22-9 rout and extended it to a 44-21 halftime advantage, thanks to its smart shots selection.
In the third canto, the Red Warriors atoned for their poor point-production in the first two quarters, but those were not enough to stop the scoring onslaught of the Bulldogs, who pushed their lead to 30 points.
UE outscored NU, 22-9, in the fourth period but did not have a solid chance to trim their deficit to single digits in the waning minutes of the match.
“We can’t afford to rest and we have to be ready coming into the second round because the competition only gets tougher and tougher,” Napa said.
Kyle Paranada notched 12 points for UE, which is still reeling from the absence of suspended coach Jack Santiago. Aurin Catacutan and Jeremy Cruz contributed 11 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Red Warriors.
The Scores:
NU 77 – Malonzo 12, Clemente 12, Galinato 9, Yu 8, Torres 7, Tibayan 7, Manansala 6, Enriquez 4, Minerva 4, Ildefonso 3, Joson 3, Felicilda 2, Figueroa 0, Flores 0, Mahinay 0
UE 61 – K. Paranada 12, Catacutan 11, J. Cruz 10, Pagsanjan 7, Escamis 6, Antiporda 5, Sawat 4, Tulabut 4, Guevarra 2, Abatayo 0, N. Paranada 0, Beltran 0, Villanueva 0, Lorenzana 0
Quarterscores: 22-9, 44-21, 68-39, 77-61
