THIS time in UAAP Season 89, it’s National U over State U.
The Bulldogs finally broke the Fighting Maroons’ hex, racing to an 18-point lead before putting away UP in a wire-to-wire 72-64 win on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
READ: Balanced Ateneo gets back on track by jumping on Adamson
A lot of it had to do with their effort and energy, cuffing their foes to 36-percent shooting and willing their way to 10 more attempts from the field.
It all led to just Jeff Napa’s third win over Goldwin Monteverde in 10 meetings, with NU having lost seven of its last eight against the University of the Philippines.
The blue-and-gold's last victory came in Round 2 of Season 87, when they put on a stunning 20-point rout.
The decision also did away with the league's last unbeaten slate, leaving the Fighting Maroons, Bulldogs, and Ateneo tied at 2-1 atop the standings.
"They really stepped up du'n sa challenge na kailangang labanan namin. We’re a young team eh. At least kahit papaano, credit sa mga players sa collective effort na ginawa namin sa game na 'to," Napa said.
Reinhard Jumamoy struggled from the field at 4-of-18, including 1-of-10 from three, but still led NU with 14 points.
Rookie Mac Alfanta added 13 points on 50 percent shooting, while Paul Francisco had 11 points and six steals and Mo Diassana chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds.
The Scores:
NU (72) — Jumamoy 14, Alfanta 13, Francisco 11, Diassana 10, Palacielo 9, Garcia 4, Laconsay 3, Padrones 2, Reyes 2, Miranda 2, Solomon 2, Figueroa 0, Serrano 0, Cartel 0.
UP (64) — Poyos 13, Pre 11, Yñiguez 10, Bayla 7, Payosing 6, Nnoruka 6, Stevens 4, Remogat 3, Alter 2, Palanca 2, Briones 0, Andres 0, Maga 0.
Quarters: 25-12, 38-30, 56-42, 72-64.
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