NATIONAL U's calling card has long been disciplined defense, but in UAAP Season 89, it's been showing off its offensive prowess, as well.
The Bulldogs dominated at both ends of the Blue Eagle Gym on Saturday, ultimately clipping Adamson's wings for an impressive 79-43 win.
After a narrow first frame, NU unloaded 43 points on the Soaring Falcons' top-ranked defense in the middle quarters, while at the other end, only allowing 15 markers.
With that, National U swept the two teams' two meetings in the elimination round - and doing so by an average of 27.5 points.
More importantly, the blue-and-gold remained tied with the University of the Philippines for first at 6-2.
“Inayos lang namin yung mindset para kahit papaano, mabalik kami dun sa pagiging disciplined namin on defense and offense,” said head coach Jeff Napa on the heels of their fourth consecutive victory.
Balanced Bulldogs
Tebol Garcia headlined another well-rounded showing for the Bulldogs, as he fired 14 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals, while PJ Palacielo chimed in 12 points and three boards.
First-year wing DJ Laconsay also added nine markers all from threes, as Vince Reyes and Mac Alfanta contributed nine and eight points, respectively.
Even with poor scoring nights from Reinhard Jumamoy and Kenshin Padrones, who both shot below 30-percent, NU still finished with an efficient 49.2-percent from the field.
“They're capable eh. Yun yung magandang sa nangyayari sa team ngayon. Siyempre lang, we have to be consistent,” said Napa.
For Adamson, Manu Anabo was the lone player in double-figures, mustering 11 points and three steals, while the three-headed monster at guard of Mathew Montebon, Matty Erolon, and Ray Allen Torres merged for just 13 markers in 4-of-18 shooting from the field.
Despite the loss, the 4-4 Soaring Falcons remained at third, albeit now in a five-team logjam alongside UST, FEU, La Salle, and Ateneo.
The Scores:
NU 79 - Garcia 14, Palacielo 12, Laconsay 9, Reyes 8, Alfanta 8, Diassana 6, Padrones 5, Francisco 5, Jumamoy 4, Cartel 3, Miranda 3, Perciano 2, Figueroa 0, Solomon 0, Serrano 0
ADAMSON 43 - Anabo 11, Montebon 8, Edding 7, Torres 5, Medina 5, Jonah 4, Cañete 3, Perez 0, Tumaneng 0, Erolon 0, Mangaron 0, Demisana 0, Pacquiao 0.
Quarters: 20-19, 40-24, 63-34, 79-43
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