Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 12) — The National University Bulldogs showed everyone why they are one of the title contenders in UAAP Season 85 after defeating the erstwhile unbeaten University of the Philippines, 80-75, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Omar John delivered a strong, all-around performance for NU with career-high 16 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, three assists, and two steals.
The Bulldogs capitalized on UP’s turnover woes as they established a 50-42 advantage at the halftime break.
An 18-4 run by UP in the third third quarter paved the way for the Diliman-based squad to grab the lead, but NU kept on fighting back to tie the match at 66 entering the final canto.
Motivated to beat the reigning champion, NU uncorked an 11-0 blitz at the early part of the fourth frame to maintain the cushion and eventually secure the win.
Kean Baclaan chipped in 13 points, while John Figueroa and Steve Nash Enriquez contributed 10 points apiece for NU, which improved its win-loss record to 3-1.
Zavier Lucero and Carl Tamayo led UP with 22 points and 17 points, respectively.
The NU Bulldogs will next battle host school Adamson University on Oct. 15, while UP will try to bounce back against the Ateneo de Manila University on Oct. 16. Both games will be played at the MOA Arena.
