COACH Jeff Napa promised that National U had a plan to neutralize Collins Akowe.
Well, they did just that and more, handing out the first loss to University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament.
It wasn't easy, but the Bulldogs eked out well-earned 76-69 win over the Growling Tigers on Wednesday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
Jake Figueroa took over in the fourth quarter, uncorking nine of his 22 points in the final canto, including the big three from the left wing that made it a 73-69 affair with 38.2 seconds left.
He also grabbed nine rebounds, dished out two assists, and one block to keep the Jhocson side undefeated through three games, as it was their turn to make a statement in the form of their best start in the Final Four era.
Akowe, the fancied recruit from NU-Nazareth School, was held to a measly five-point outing and only hauled down eight boards for UST, as the Nigerian center had to deal with the bevy of NU bigs that came from his old alma mater.
"Bahala na kayong mag-isip kung anong ginawa namin," said Napa. "But I'm still happy for the guys na they followed the game plan. They're disciplined, the effort is there, and hindi naging hindrance yung foul trouble ng players to do whatever it takes na gawin yung gameplan namin."
NU problems here
Yet as much as Figueroa took charge, it still was the collective effort in the paint that made the win possible for the blue-and-gold.
Omar John got the better of the marquee matchup, registering 10 points, 12 boards, three assists, three blocks, and two steals and PJ Palacielo also scored 10 in a game where the Bulldogs won the rebounding battle, 52 to 39.
"Talagang the players really worked hard para makuha ito," said Napa. "Pero paglabas ko ng UST, bawal na akong mag-celebrate kasi may next game kami laban sa isa pang contender in UP."
Nic Cabanero paced the Growling Tigers with 19 points and six rebounds, Amiel Acido shot four threes for his 18 points and four boards, and Mark Llemit got 12 points and five rebounds.
UST, however, shot itself in the foot, as it only went 9-of-24 from the free throw line and was held to just eight points in the payoff period to drop to a 2-1 card.
The Scores:
NU 76 - Figueroa 22, John 10, Palacielo 10, Garcia 9, Enriquez 7, Francisco 5, Santiago 4, Parks 3, Manansala 2, Jumamoy 2, Dela Cruz 2, Padrones 0, Solomon 0, Tulabut 0, Navarro 0.
UST 69 - Cabanero 19, Acido 18, Llemit 12, Padrigao 10, Akowe 5, Buenaflor 3, Crisostomo 2, Estacio 0, Danting 0, Paranada 0, Laure 0, Calum 0.
Quarters: 18-22, 40-43, 58-61, 76-69.
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