NATIONAL University saved its best for last yesterday, at the same venue where it pulled off a massive upset of University of the Philippines last Nov. 3.
This time, the Bulldogs claimed the scalp of defending champions La Salle, carving out a 63-54 victory to end their season on a high in the 87th UAAP basketball tournament at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
NU forward Jake Figueroa bravely challenged the defense of reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao at the paint, turned around, and rose for a jumper, the ball bouncing out first before going in that gave the Bulldogs a 55-50 lead with 3:15 to go.
Coach Jeff Napa could not be any prouder of the Bulldogs’ effort even if they wound up with a 5-9 record.
“So happy sa mga players talaga na ibinigay nila iyong best nila up to the last,” Napa said. “See you next year. Ganoon ka-simple.
“Definitely, and hopefully, maging healthy kami talaga next year para at least maganda iyong magiging performance namin,” he added.
PJ Palacielo totaled 16 points and eight rebounds for NU while Figueroa added 14 markers and three boards.
Tebol Garcia also had eight points for the Bulldogs. Patrick Yu and Donn Lim played their final game for the Sampaloc-based five.
NU won three in its final four games. The Bulldogs are also the lone team this season to beat the Green Archers and the Fighting Maroons, who will enter the Final 1-2 with twice-to-beat incentives.
NU got the job done this time to end La Salle’s nine-game winning streak, unlike in its first-round encounter where the defending champion escaped with a 78-75 win in a game where Malian slotman Mo Diassana went down with a season-ending knee injury.
Nigerian slotman Henry Agunanne carried La Salle on his back down 42-51 midway through the fourth, scoring six in their 8-2 run to cut the deficit to three at 50-53 with 4:38 left.
However, Jake Figueroa and Palacielo linked up for an 8-2 response to put the game away with 1:13 remaining, 61-52.
“Hindi kami nakapasok ng Final Four pero nakita ko buong season iyong potential. Masaya rin ako kahit hindi kami nakapasok ng Final Four, pero iyong remaining games namin ngayon second round, ginawa namin nang maayos at tinapos namin nang maayos,” Palacielo said.
La Salle will enter the semifinals with a 12-2 record, losing only to NU and University of the East.
The Bulldogs held Quiambao to a paltry 3-of-17 shooting from the field for just six points although he grabbed seven rebounds, five assists, and a steal in his 31 minutes and 11 seconds on the floor.
Mike Phillips led the way for the Archers with 18 points and 10 caroms, while Raven Gonzales added nine and nine.