UAAP: Jumamoy the hero as National U outduels UST in overtime

MANILA (UPDATED) — Reinhard Jumamoy called game from way beyond the arc as National University avoided collapse to secure its second straight win in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball.

“Iniisip ko na ako lang yung titira, kasi ine-ensayo ko naman yun,” said Jumamoy, who drained the game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds as the Bulldogs outdueled University of Santo Tomas in overtime, 87-85, on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

“Inisip ko lang na kailangan kong mag-take charge. Alam ko naman si coach Jeff [Napa], kahit pinapagalitan niya ako, alam niya yung capabilities ko,” added Jumamoy, who tallied 19 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals.

The Growling Tigers still had a chance to complete their 15-point comeback with 0.5 seconds remaining on the game clock, but Amiel Acido missed a long-range attempt at the buzzer, allowing the Bulldogs to secure their fourth win in six games.

Equally vital for National U was PJ Palacielo, who tallied 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal, while Paul Francisco also drained crucial baskets in regulation and in OT to finish with 10 points, five rebounds, and an assist.

While Napa lamented how NU could have avoided such dangerous moments, especially after UST’s Landyn Jumawan nearly stole the victory for the Tigers, he was more pleased with how Jumamoy kept the team composed.

“Yung character, yun ang nangibabaw ngayon,” said Napa, referring to how Jumamoy quickly recovered from Collins Akowe’s emphatic block before hitting the game-winner. “We became too complacent, pero when under pressure, doon nate-test yung character talaga.”

Jumawan, meanwhile, finished with a team-high 22 points, six rebounds, and four steals, but his efforts were not enough as the Tigers absorbed their second straight loss and third in five outings.

Acido added 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists on 4-of-8 shooting from long range, while Mark Llemit chipped in 21 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.

NU 87 — Jumamoy 19, Palacielo 16, Padrones 11, Francisco 10, Alfanta 10, Diasanna 8, Garcia 5, Cartel 3, Solomon 3, Reyes 2, Laconsay 0, Tulabut 0.

UST 85 — Junawan 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.