The NU Bulldogs. UAAP Media
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – National University (NU) has ended its campaign in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament on a high note.
The also-ran Bulldogs completed an upset of Final Four-bound De La Salle University (DLSU), 63-54, on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, also halting the defending champion's nine-game winning streak.
The duo of PJ Palacielo and Jake Figuero showed the way, listing double-digit outputs of 16 and 14 points, respectively.
Coach Jeff Napa was just happy to see his players offer their best despite playing in a nonbearing game.
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"Sobrang happy sa players talaga. Binigay nila ‘yung best nila up to the last. So see you next year. Ganoon ka-simple," said Napa.
"Hopefully, maging healthy kami talaga next year para at least maging maganda ‘yung performance namin," he added.
La Salle made its last push halfway through the payoff period, closing in at 53-50 as Nigerian student-athlete Henry Agunanne converted from a pick-and-roll play.
However, the Bulldogs got answers, uncorking a mini run for a 59-51 separation, capped by a long two from Palacielo to pull away in the match.
Reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao notably got his chances to help his team come back, but was misfiring as he concluded the game with an underwhelming six-point output. Big man Mike Phillips paced the La Salle side with a game-high 18 points and 10 rebounds.
NU concluded Season 87 with a 5-9 win-loss card, while the Green Archers are at 12-2 before entering the playoffs.
The Scores:
NU 63 – Palacielo 16, Figueroa 14, Garcia 8, Manansala 6, Padrones 5, Enriquez 5, Yu 3, Jumamoy 3, Dela Cruz 2, Lim 1, Santiago 0, Tulabut 0, Francisco 0, Parks 0.
La Salle 54 – M. Phillips 18, Gonzales 9, Agunanne 8, Quiambao 6, Ramiro 4, David 3, Macalalag 2, Gollena 2, Marasigan 1, Dungo 1, Austria 0, Konov 0, Alian 0.
Quarterscores: 17-17, 38-32, 47-39, 63-54.
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