UAAP: Palacielo powers NU past Adamson to return to win column

MANILA (UPDATED) — PJ Palacielo powered National University past Adamson University, 85-66, in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The bruising big posted 19 points, eight assists, and a steal as the Bulldogs returned to the win column after absorbing an 87-76 loss to Ateneo de Manila University over the weekend.

“It’s a good response, pero medyo subpar pa rin yung performance, especially on defense,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa, whose squad notched its third win in five games. “We still gave 13 three-pointers sa kanila. We need to address that.”

Fortunately for Napa, Palacielo had his best assist game for NU, paving the way for four other Bulldogs to finish in double digits in scoring.

Equally solid was Paul Francisco, who fired 17 points, six rebounds, and three steals, while Mo Diassana had a 15-point, 12-rebound outing. Tebol Garcia and Reinhard Jumamoy also added 12 and 11 points, respectively, for NU, which held a 41-20 lead at one point to take control of the game.

Ray Allen Torres, on the other hand, led Adamson with 14 points as the Falcons came as close as six, 58-52, in the second half before National U quickly regained control early in the fourth period.

Matt Erolon followed with 12 points, Matthew Montebon and Precious Jonah each scored 11, while Earl Medina tallied 10, but their efforts weren’t enough as the Falcons absorbed their second loss in four outings.

NU 85 — Palacielo 19, Francisco 17, Diassana 15, Jumamoy 12, Garcia 12, Alfanta 5, Padrones 3, Cartel 2, Laconsay 0, Tulabut 0, Miranda 0, Reyes 0, Perciano 0, Solomon 0, Serrano 0.

Adamson 66 — Torres 14, Erolon 12, Montebon 11, Jonah 11, Medina 10, Cañete 5, Demisana 3, Edding 0, Cruz-Dumont 0, Anabo 0, Tumaneng 0, Perez 0, Fransman 0, Pacquiao 0, Mangaron 0.

Quarterscores: 26-16, 50-35, 64-52, 85-66.