University of the Philippines fended off a late rally by National University to deal the Bulldogs their first loss, 66-59, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
The Fighting Maroons dropped a 22-2 bomb in the third and fourth quarters to erase a 13-point deficit and take full control of the contest, before NU’s comeback attempt came up short.
Francis Nnoruka paced the Diliman-based squad with 14 points and six rebounds, while Gani Stevens chipped in 10 markers and five boards. Harold Alarcon and Miguel Yniguez contributed eight points apiece.
UP trailed by 13, 34-47, in the third quarter after a deuce by Steve Nash Enriquez.
But the Maroons, off back-to-back 3-pointers by Yniguez, made it a one-point contest, 48-49, heading to the fourth quarter.
UP’s run continued in the final frame, taking a 56-49 lead with five minutes remaining.
A split from the line by PJ Palacielo finally ended the NU drought, but the UP continued as the Maroons took a 12-point lead late, 65-53, following a Reyland Torres jumper.
Jake Figueroa and Palacielo tried to mount a comeback with six straight points, but a Stevens split iced the game.
NU actually held an 11-point advantage in the first quarter, going up 17-6, before UP went ahead, 24-23, in the second frame.
The Bulldogs though regained their touch and erected the double-digit lead.
UP’s Rey Remogat tallied six points while shooting 2-of-9 from the field.
Enriquez paced NU with 16 point and four assists, while Gelo Santiago had 10 markers.
UP is now holding a 2-2 win-loss record, while NU dropped to 3-1.
Currently, Ateneo is the only remaining team without a defeat this season.