NATIONAL U strengthened its stranglehold of the top spot in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament by turning back La Salle, 75-67, Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Arena.
And yet again, the Bulldogs proved they're much more than just Jake Figueroa.
Paul Francisco kickstarted the finishing kick for NU before Steve Nash Enriquez, Omar John, and Mark Parks made key plays late to preserve the Jhocson side's place atop the standings at 8-2.
Enriquez was a perfect 4-of-4 from distance, including the big three with 2:07 to play that made it a 72-64 affair, as he top-scored for the Bulldogs with 16 points.
Francisco was also perfect from the field in ending up with 14 points, three assists, three steals, and two rebounds before fouling out with 3:20 to go.
John added 12 points, eight boards, three blocks, two dimes, and two steals, as Parks got seven points and two rebounds off the bench.
Their solid contributions couldn't come at a better time, with Figueroa having an off night on the offensive end, shooting only 2-of-9 from the field to wind up with just five points. Still, the senior wing found a way to help, grabbing eight rebounds, six assists, six steals, and one block.
No letdowns for NU
"It's about how we perform every game talaga, how we put the effort talaga, and how we improve every game talaga," said coach Jeff Napa, as NU swept the two teams' elimination round meetings.
"Good thing is everybody stepped up kaya nakuha namin yung panalo."
It was the Bulldogs' first game without Gelo Santiago, who is serving a five-game suspension for his disqualifying foul on Ateneo's Waki Espina.
Meanwhile, the Green Archers saw their four-game win run snapped after yet again bungling their free throws, making only 20 of 36 charities to fall down to 6-3.
Mike Phillips tallied a double-double with his 11 points and 10 rebounds, but shot 4-of-11 from the 15-foot line in the loss.
Jacob Cortez paced the green-and-white with 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists, as Earl Abadam got 13 points and three boards.
The Scores:
NU 75 - Enriquez 16, Francisco 14, John 12, Parks 7, Figueroa 5, Garcia 5, Manansala 4, Padrones 4, Palacielo 3, Jumamoy 3, Dela Cruz 2, Tulabut 0.
LA SALLE 67 - Cortez 16, Abadam 14, Phillips 11, Pablo 10, Macalalag 5, Daep 4, Dungo 4, Gollena 2, Marasigan 2, Nwankwo 0, Quines 0.
Quarters: 22-26, 50-42, 61-54, 75-67.
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