UAAP: Bulldogs outduel Tamaraws to conclude first round as top seed

MANILA (UPDATED) — National University concluded the first round of UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball atop the standings after outdueling Far Eastern University, 69-65, on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Katipunan.

The Bulldogs secured their fifth win in seven games, tying University of the Philippines but claiming the top seed by virtue of their head-to-head victory, with Reinhard Jumamoy leading the way.

“We gave up too many possessions nung first half, so yun ang in-address namin, then we played our game noong second half,” said Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa, as Jumamoy helped fuel their nine-point comeback with 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

Rookie Mac Alfanta also stepped up with a team-high 14 points, while PJ Palacielo and Tebol Garcia each notched 13 as National U concluded the first round riding a three-game win streak.

It was Alfanta and Jumamoy, however, who came up with the crucial plays for the Bulldogs down the stretch.

Tied at 65, Jumamoy found Alfanta for a basket with 2:30 remaining to put NU ahead, 67-65.

Jumamoy then came up with a steal at the 2:06 mark before Palacielo converted on the other end for a four-point advantage, 69-65, while FEU failed to score the rest of the way as turnovers and missed opportunities doomed its bid.

The Tamaraws thus absorbed their second straight defeat and third loss in seven games, spoiling Cabs Cabonilas’ 14 points and five rebounds and Mo Konateh’s 10 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks.

FEU now drops into a three-way tie with University of Santo Tomas, as well as the winner of the match between De La Salle University and Adamson University, for third place.

NU 69 — Alfanta 14, Palacielo 13, Garcia 13, Jumamoy 12, Francisco 10, Diasanna 7, Padrones 0, Solomon 0, Reyes 0, Laconsay 0, Serrano 0, Figueroa 0.

FEU 65 – Cabonilas 14, Pasaol 10, Konateh 10, Mongcopa 9, Bautista 7, Daa 6, Burgos 6, Gish 3, Felipe 0, Hall 0.

Quarterscores: 22-25, 39-47, 59-58, 69-65.