Metro Manila, Philippines — The National University (NU) Bulldogs survived the pesky University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 87-85, for their second straight win in Round 1 of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Down by a point in the dying seconds of overtime, NU senior Reinhard Jumamoy drained a long three-pointer to secure the Bulldogs’ fourth victory of the season and lift them to second place in the standings with a 4-2 record.
“Inisip ko lang na ako na ‘yung titira. Ini-ensayo ko naman ‘yun eh. ‘Yung laging sinasabi ni Coach sa akin na sobrang kapal ng mukha ko, nag-take charge lang ako,” said Jumamoy.
Meanwhile, the Tigers slipped to seventh place with a 2-3 record.
Jumamoy led the Bulldogs with 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while PJ Palacielo added 16 points.
The Bulldogs capitalized on UST’s early offensive struggles to build a 14-point lead in the first half, 41-27.
The Jhocson-based squad fended off the Tigers in the third quarter despite Palacielo’s foul trouble, maintaining a 13-point advantage, 64-51.
With two minutes remaining in regulation, UST seniors Amiel Acido and Mark Llemit took charge, combining for nine consecutive points to tie the game at 77-all and force overtime.
In the extra period, UST’s one-and-done Landyn Jumawan knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to give the Tigers a slim 85-84 lead with just over 30 seconds remaining.
However, Jumamoy delivered in the clutch, completing a personal 5-0 run to seal the victory for NU.
Jumawan and Llemit paced the Tigers with 22 and 21 points, respectively, while Acido chipped in 20 points in the loss.
NU will look to close out the first round on a high note when it faces the top-seeded Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws on Oct. 18 at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
Meanwhile, UST will aim to snap its two-game skid when it takes on FEU on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The scores:
NU (87) — Jumamoy 19, Palacielo 16, Padrones 11, Francisco 10, Alfanta 10, Diassana 8, Garcia 5, Cartel 3, Solomon 3, Reyes 2, Laconsay 0, Tulabut 0
UST (85) — Jumawan 22, Llemit 21, Acido 20, Akowe 11, Esteban 5, Manding 2, Buenaflor 2, Cañete 2, Chio 0, Alao 0, Porter 0, Danting 0
Quarterscores: 23-15, 41-27, 64-51, 77-77, 87-85.
