In the first of four UAAP men’s basketball games today, National University won their fourth straight game of the season. Beating the DLSU Green Archers by four points, 80-76, the Bulldogs rise to the top of the standings with a win-loss record of 5-1.
This win also marks the Bulldogs’ first victory over DLSU in nearly seven years. The last time they won against the Archers was on October 28, 2015, in Season 78.
It looked like DLSU was set to take the win over NU today, as the men in green led the Bulldogs by up to 10 points. However, NU rallied back and stole the lead in the fourth quarter. With 58.2 seconds left in the final frame, Kevin Quiambao pulled La Salle within three with a triple with 58.2 seconds left to bring the lead down to 76-79.
Following this, Steve Nash Enriquez missed a three-pointer attempt to give the Archers one last go to tie the match. But Quiambao missed his corner attempt before John Lloyd Clemente sealed the win from the line.
It was Enriquez who led the Bulldogs with the 16 points he tallied from four triples, three rebounds, three assists, and a plus-14 in 23 minutes. Clemente also took a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds.
“Nakahinga rin ako! Isa sa mga big boys ito (La Salle) eh. We’re down ng third quarter, we have to change our momentum para mapunta sa amin ‘yung way,” said NU coach Jeff Napa.
With the loss, La Salle slips to fifth place with a win-loss record of 3-3.
The Green Archers will finish the first round with a game against Adamson University on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, while the Bulldogs will be playing against Far Eastern University on Sunday.
The Scores:
NU 80 — Clemente 16, Enriquez 16, John 15, Figueroa 12, Malonzo 6, Baclaan 5, Yu 4, Galinato 2, Manansala 2, Mahinay 2, Minerva 0, Tibayan 0, Palacielo 0, Tulabut 0, Padrones 0.
La Salle 76 — Quiambao 15, M. Phillips 15, Nelle 14, Winston 12, Abadam 7, Nwankwo 4, Manuel 3, Estacio 3, Cortez 2, B. Phillips 1, Escandor 0.
Quarters: 23-17, 40-41, 61-63, 80-76.