National University overcame an early 18-point deficit to beat University of the East, 83-74, and clinch the first twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Final Four on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bulldogs climbed to 11-2 for their fifth straight win, securing the program’s first semifinals edge since Season 76 (2013) after finishing just 5-9 last year.
Head coach Jeff Napa acknowledged NU’s flat opening half, where the Bulldogs trailed 53-35 before flipping the game late in the third quarter.
‘Our first half showing was unusual. We were too relaxed, maybe the players through UE won’t come out and play,’ Napa said.
‘In the dugout, I only had a simple thing to say: ‘Is this the level you want to play in now that we’re headed to the Final Four? If you want to succeed in the next level, you need to show your best.”
UE, now 0-13, controlled the first two quarters behind Tope Lagat, Precious Momowei, Wello Lingolingo, and Jhon Jimenez, taking a 42-31 halftime lead and pushing the margin to 18 early in the third. But NU responded with a 20-4 surge sparked by Jolo Manansala, Omar John, and Mark Parks, trimming the deficit to 57-55. The Red Warriors still led 61-56 entering the fourth, but the Bulldogs unleashed a decisive 19-2 run behind PJ Palacielo, Jake Figueroa, John, and Manansala to seize a 75-63 advantage with under three minutes left.
UE went without a field goal for most of the fourth until Lagat scored with 1:16 remaining.
‘I guess I’m peaking somehow,’ said Manansala, who fired 17 of his 21 points in the second half. ‘I’m thankful to my teammates and coaches that their trust is still there. I won’t be able to put up those stats if it weren’t for them.’
John posted 14 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks, while Figueroa added 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Francisco added 12 and Palacielo chipped in 11.
NU faces University of Santo Tomas on November 23 at Mall of Asia Arena to close out the eliminations.
Lagat led UE with 17 points, including 11 in the first half. Momowei added 14 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Dylan Despi had 11 points, seven assists, and five steals, while Jimenez finished with 10.
The Red Warriors-now on a 19-game skid dating back to last season-will try to avoid a winless year when they meet Far Eastern University next Saturday.