REINHARD Jumamoy just was not allowing another meltdown for National U.
The senior guard called bank and game to connect on a stepback triple close to the Araneta Coliseum logo that sealed the deal in the Bulldogs' thrilling 87-85 overtime victory vs. University of Santo Tomas on Saturday.
What would have been a wire-to-wire triumph hit a snag when Growling Tigers breakout star Amiel Acido rained hellfire in the fourth quarter, unloading 10 points on three triples to chip away at NU’s 11-point lead, followed by three clutch free throws from running mate Mark Llemit to force extra time.
In OT, Landyn Jumawan stopped at nothing to complete the black-and-gold comeback by sinking two big triples and two free throws for a 85-84 lead with 35 seconds left.
Following a foul from Bulldog DJ Laconsay, however, UST rookie Kirk Cañete missed two crucial charities, which set the stage for Jumamoy’s game-winner to cap off a 19-point, 6-rebound, and 6-assist performance.
Rein goes hard
“Ineensayo ko naman yun eh. Lagi rin naman sinasabi ni coach Jeff (Napa) sa'kin na sobrang kapal ng mukha ko. Thank you sa Diyos na pumasok yung tira ko,” the veteran playmaker said, as he repulsed a repeat of the blue-and-gold's late collapse against Adamson a week ago.
The guard from Cebu was backstopped by National U bigs PJ Palacielo and Kenshin Padrones, who delivered 16 and 11 points, respectively.
Alongside their erstwhile thriving frontcourt, Paul Francisco and Mac Alfanta also held it down for the starters, chipping in 10 points apiece, much to Napa’s delight.
“Right from the start of the game kasi mayroon akong binatong question sa kanila na, ‘How hard can we push for this game?' So hats off sa mga players, talagang binigay nila,” the fiery mentor said, as he and his wards hiked their record to 4-2.
The Growling Tigers' failed effort yielded 22 points and four steals for Jumawan, 21 points and nine rebounds for Llemit, and 20 points and nine rebounds for Acido, as they dropped to 2-3.
The Scores:
NU 87 - Jumamoy 19, Palacielo 16, Padrones 11, Alfanta 10, Francisco 10, Diassana 8, Garcia 5, Cartel 3, Solomon 3, Reyes 2, Laconsay 0, Tulabut 0.
UST 85 - Jumawan 22, Llemit 21, Acido 20, Akowe 11, Esteban 5, Cañete 2, Manding 2, Buenaflor 2, Chio 0, Alao 0, Porter 0, Danting 0.
Quarters: 23-15, 41-27, 64-51, 77-77, 87-85 (OT)
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