UAAP: Jumamoy delivers as NU boosts Final Four hopes at La Salle’s expense

MANILA (UPDATED) — Reinhard Jumamoy delivered once again as National University took down De La Salle University, 84-80, to boost its Final Four bid in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The Bulldogs notched their eighth win in 11 games, maintaining their hold on solo second place behind another stellar performance from Jumamoy, who finished with 21 points, six assists, five rebounds, and four steals while shooting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.

Jumamoy also scored 14 points in the fourth quarter and set up Paul Francisco’s go-ahead three-pointer with 44 seconds remaining, giving NU an 82-80 lead before the Bulldogs held on to seal the victory.

“Sinabi ko sa mga kasama ko, na from last year hindi pa kami nananalo sa kanila, tapos sila pa yung naglaglag sa amin, so doon ako kumuha ng motivation,” said Jumamoy, referring to NU’s Final Four loss to La Salle last season after the Bulldogs squandered a twice-to-beat edge against the eventual champions.

Mo Diassana added 19 points, eight rebounds, and two steals, while PJ Palacielo contributed 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, and also knocked down the game-sealing free throws with four seconds left.

NU’s victory also spoiled the return of Jacob Cortez, who suited up for La Salle after missing two games due to a right leg injury.

Cortez finished with eight points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Andrei Dungo paced the Green Archers with 19 points on 5-of-9 shooting from long range. However, their efforts were not enough as La Salle absorbed its fifth loss in 11 games.

NU 84 -– Jumamoy 21, Diassana 19, Palacielo 14, Francisco 9, Garcia 9, Alfanta 5, Padrones 4, Laconsay 3, Reyes 0, Cartel 0, Solomon 0.

La Salle 80 -– Dungo 19, Tovera 12, Agunanne 12, Macalalag 10, Abadam 10, Cortez 8, Amos 4, Marasigan 3, Gagate 2, Pablo 0, Gomez 0.

Quarterscores: 24-22, 47-42, 58-61, 84-80.