UAAP: Diassana stands tall as Bulldogs regain form, add to Tigers’ woes

National University big man Mo Diassana against University of Santo Tomas in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — National University returned to the win column after holding off University of Santo Tomas, 75-71, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The Bulldogs clamped down defensively in the final canto, holding the Growling Tigers without a field goal for over seven minutes en route to their seventh win in 10 games.

Mo Diassana led National U with 16 points, 19 rebounds, one block, and an emphatic slam that gave his squad a 73-66 lead with 42 seconds remaining.

”It’s a good win for us, lalo na ‘di basta-basta ang UST,” said Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa. “Up to the last second, despite our foul troubles, they showed effort talaga.

Kenshin Padrones was equally vital with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Tebol Garcia drilled the go-ahead basket at the 6:28 mark to put NU ahead, 66-65, before finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.

Landyn Jumawan kept UST within striking distance, 73-69, with a three-pointer with 39 seconds remaining, while Amiel Acido further cut their deficit to two, 73-71, with a perfect trip to the foul line 32 seconds later.

However, it proved too little, too late as PJ Palacielo split his two trips to the charity stripe off his own offensive rebound, while Jumawan also missed on his last-second three-pointer at the buzzer.

Palacielo added 14 points and six rebounds for NU, as the Bulldogs handed the Tigers their sixth loss in 10 games.

Acido top-scored for UST with 13 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while Mark Llemit had 12 points and four assists, but their 13-of-40 shooting from long range was too costly.

NU 75 — Diasana 16, Palacielo 14, Padrones 13, Garcia 12, Jumamoy 6, Reyes 6, Francisco 5, Cartel 3, Alfanta 0, Miranda 0 (2:24), Figueroa 0, Solomon 0, Serrano 0.

UST 71 — Acido 13, Llemit 12, Akowe 11, Chio 11, Porter 8, Buenaflor 6, Jumawan 5, Sevilla 3, Canete 2, Danting 0, Alao 0, Manding 0.

Quarterscores: 24-18, 40-39, 57-57, 75-71.