AS if the University of the Philippines still needed affirmation on how strong it is this UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, it delivered another massive statement at the expense of a familiar rival.
National University hardly looked like a contender on Wednesday, as the Fighting Maroons wasted no time delivering haymaker after haymaker to take the fight out of the Bulldogs early en route to a definitive 89-62 beatdown at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
So commanding was State U’s early onslaught that it made people forget that this was actually supposed to be a close game considering this is a battle between Final Four teams a year ago.
But Mark Belmonte and JD Cagulangan had other plans, triggering the onslaught that brought the Iskos their third straight win in as many games.
UP almost couldn’t do anything wrong, with everyone getting their shots down from three, as Belmonte and Francis Lopez made a beeline to the basket for thunderous slams in the first half, allowing the Diliman side to enjoy a 31-point lead, 53-22.
The second half was no better for the Bulldogs, with the Fighting Maroons' lead reaching its peak at 39 after a Harold Alarcon three late in the third period.
No mercy, no chance, all UP Fight
Numbers could not underscore how much the maroon-and-green crushed National U’s hopes in this game, dominating almost all categories as it was easily the Jhocson team’s worst defeat under coach Jeff Napa.
Belmonte uncorked 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists and Cagulangan got 13 points, four assists, and two boards, with the two only logging the first five minutes of the second half before passing the baton to their bench squadron.
It was another forgettable showing for the Bulldogs, with Jake Figueroa being their lone player to reach double-figures in scoring with 11 points as they dropped to a 1-2 card.
The Scores:
UP 89 – Belmonte 14, Cagulangan 13, Millora-Brown 8, Lopez 8, Abadiano 7, Ududo 6, Torculas 6, Felicilda 6, Fortea 5, Bayla 4, Alter 4, Alarcon 3, Briones 3, Torres 2, Walker 0, Stevens 0.
NU 62 – Figueroa 11, Manansala 9, Garcia 6, Jumamoy 6, Enriquez 5, Yu 5, Santiago 4, Francisco 4, Perciano 4, Tulabut 4, Palacielo 2, Padrones 2, Lim 0, Parks 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarters: 29-14, 53-26, 76-41, 89-62.
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