Bulldogs chase down Fighting Maroons
The National University (NU) Bulldogs clobbered the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 77-70, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament on Oct. 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Fighting Maroons controlled the first half, but with their veteran guard Jun Manzo sitting out with a reported sprain injury in the third quarter, the Bulldogs rallied around Matt Salem’s season-high scoring to pull away with the victory.
Juan Gomez De Liano (left) drives the ball despite the defense of the NU Bulldogs. Photo by Arvin Lim of ABS-CBN Sports
UP's fast-paced game allowed them to dictate the tempo of the first half with the help of Ibrahim Quattara who showed his presence around the rim with six points and 18 rebounds.
With Manzo out in the last quarter, Bulldogs Jayjay Alejandro and Salem continued to pound the disoriented Fighting Maroons with their aggressive offense, finishing with a seven-point lead.
Paul Desiderio led the Fighting Maroons with 15 points while Bulldogs’ Salem and Alejandro scored 21 and 13, respectively.
The NU Bulldogs and the UP Fighting Maroons are now tied with a 3-4 win-loss record.
Box scores:
NU 77 - Salem 21, Gaye 13, Alejandro 12, Joson 6, Diputado 5, Tibayan 4, Yu 3, Batayo 3, Mosqueda 2, Morido 2, Aquino 2, Bartlett 2, Flores 2, Cauilan 0, Lastimosa 0, Rangel 0.
UP 70 - Desiderio 15, Dario 11, Javier Gomez De Liano 10, Lim 7, Quattara 6, Manzo 6, Lao 6, Prado 5, Juan Gomez De Liano 4, Vito 0, Ricafort 0.
Quarter scores:
18-21, 33-38, 56-53, 77-70