NATIONAL U once again showed that it's more than just Jake Figueroa.
Though their top dog still got his points despite his off-shooting night, the others pulled it through for the Bulldogs, coming away with the 84-68 victory vs. Far Eastern University to stay undefeated through two games in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
This time, the frontcourt got things done for the Jhocson crew with Omar John leading with 16 points and nine rebounds; Jolo Manansala getting 13 points, nine boards, and two assists; and PJ Palacielo coming up with eight points, four rebounds, and four assists off the bench.
Their imposing presence allowed NU to weather a furious third period for FEU, cutting a 44-30 halftime deficit to make things interesting before creating much-needed cushion in the fourth.
Figueroa still had his licks, finishing with 13 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, but he left a lot to be desired with his 4-of-15 shooting.
Parks makes his mark
Mark Parks gave the Bulldogs a big lift in the first half, scoring all of his eight points, as they enjoyed a lead as big as 15, 37-22.
But a flat start in the third, highlighted by an 18-3 charge that enabled the Tamaraws to grab a 48-47 lead forced the hand of coach Jeff Napa to reshuffle his wards.
"We needed to reshuffle para makakuha ng right combination and good thing, yung mga ni-reshuffle ko tulad ni Jolo at Omar nag-step up," he said, leading to the blue-and-gold's 29-point fourth quarter.
Kirby Mongcopa played his best game to date for FEU in the seniors level with 16 points built on three three-pointers to go with eight rebounds, Janrey Pasaol added 16 points and six assists, and Jorick Bautista had 15 points and three boards.
Unfortunately, the Tams slipped to a 0-2 hole to start the tourney.
The Scores:
NU 84 - John 16, Figueroa 13, Manansala 13, Palacielo 8, Parks 8, Francisco 7, Enriquez 5, Padrones 5, Santiago 4, Jumamoy 3, Solomon 2, Garcia 0, Dela Cruz 0, Tulabut 0.
FEU 68 - Pasaol 16, Mongcopa 16, Bautusta 15, Owens 9, Konateh 8, Daa 2, Salangsang 2, Felipe 0, Montemayor 0, Ona 0, Bagunu 0.
Quarters: 19-14, 44-30, 55-52, 84-68.
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