WITH National University’s season on the line, Patrick Yu, the most veteran of all Bulldogs, engineered a revival for the ages.
The Jhocson side dug deep and stunned a twice-to-beat-seeking University of the Philippines, claiming a surprising 67-47 blowout on Sunday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Yu, playing his fifth year for NU, found his shooting touch when it mattered most, as he drained five triples, three of which coming in the third frame where his side grabbed a 55-31 advantage.
But he only made sure that the upset would be a reality, as the Bulldogs capitalized on a blazing 20-4 start that left the Fighting Maroons dazed and confused.
Unfortunately, State U just could not find the right tonic, as their deficit further expanded to 27, 62-35, after a Nat Tulabut basket with 6:05 remaining.
It was a much-needed victory for the blue-and-gold, which improved to a 3-8 win-loss record, avoiding elimination while also earning its first triumph over UP since Season 85.
“Finally, nakuha namin yung panalo sa second round. Akala namin, maji-jinx kami. Buong October walang panalo pero sa Araw ng Patay, nakuha ng players yung laro nila. Give credit sa players ko, sila talaga ang trumabaho," said coach Jeff Napa, who’s well aware of the realities that come with National U's position at the bottom of the standings.
“Nandoon na tayo. Wala tayong magagawa. But as long as we compete, 'di na namin iniisip kung papasok kami. Ang pakiusap ko lang is tapusin namin nang maganda yung season.”
Yu took the shine away from his fancied backcourt peers with 17 points, two assists, and one rebound.
Jake Figueroa added 11 points, six boards, four assists, and two steals, PJ Palacielo chimed in nine points and three assists, and Lenard Santiago got eight points and five rebounds for Napa's team.
UP upset
It’s a game to forget for the Fighting Maroons, as they were held to their lowest output under coach Goldwin Monteverde and a season-low 26-percent field goal shooting.
The 20-point rout was also the maroon-and-green's biggest losing margin in the Monteverde era.
Aldous Torculas was the only player to breach double-figures in scoring with 13 points and five boards, as they succumbed to their worst loss in the season, which is also just their second overall in 11 games.
They will now have to bounce back in a finals rematch with La Salle a week from now.
The Scores:
NU 67 – Yu 17, Figueroa 11, Palacielo 9, Santiago 8, Lim 5, Manansala 4, Perciano 4, Tulabut 4, Jumamoy 3, Garcia 2, Padrones 0, Enriquez 0, Parks 0, Francisco 0.
UP 47 – Torculas 13, Cagulangan 8, Millora-Brown 4, Briones 4, Torres 3, Fortea 3, Abadiano 2, Lopez 2, Bayla 2, Stevens 2, Alarcon 2, Belmonte 2, Ududo 0, Alter 0.
Quarters: 24-8, 34-20, 55-31, 67-47.
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