National University’s PJ Palacielo against De La Salle University’s Mike Phillips in UAAP Season 88. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — National University maintained its spot at the top of UAAP Season 88 after the Bulldogs took down De La Salle University, 82-78, on Sunday at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
PJ Palacielo and Reinhard Jumamoy took charge late, with the former putting up 16 points with two rebounds while the latter made two crucial triples and a steal for his eight markers, allowing Jeff Napa's troops to improve to a league-leading 5-1.
"Nung mga preseason games, talagang iniisip ko kung paano tatagos sa depensa ng La Salle," said Palacielo, who scored 10 of his total production in the pivotal last period. "Kanina, tinignan ko lang talaga kung ano yung bibigay nila sa akin tiyaka ko tintry atakihhin."
Only a 77-75 game after a split by Jake Figueroa and a steal by Jumamoy, Paul Fransisco extended the Bulldogs' lead to four, 79-75, with only seven seconds left.
Former NU star Kean Baclaan fired a three-pointer to inch La Salle closer, 79-78, before Jumamoy aced his attempts at the foul line for an 81-78 lead.
La Salle rookie Lebron Jhames Daep then committed a costly travelling violation that allowed Omar John to seal the victory at the 15-foot stripe.
The Green Archers absorbed their third loss in five games despite Mike Phillips' 15-point, 16-rebound game.
To add to La Salle's woes, big man Mason Amos exited the game prematurely due to an apparent right knee injury.
Mike Phillips towed La Salle with a 15-point, 16-rebound outing with three steals.
Jacob Cortez finished with 15 markers, while Baclaan listed 11 points, six assists, and a steal.
The Scores:
NU 82 -- Figueroa 18, Palacielo 16, Francisco 13, Santiago 12, Jumamoy 8, Parks 6, Garcia 4, John 3, Manansala 2, Enriquez 0, Padrones 0, Dela Cruz 0, Navarro 0, Reyes 0.
La Salle 78 -- Phillips 15, Cortez 15, Baclaan 11, Pablo 8, Amos 7, Gollena 6, Macalalag 5, Abadam 4, Daep 3, Dungo 2, Nwankwo 2, Melencio 0, Marasigan 0.
Quarterscores: 21-23, 40-40, 55-61, 82-78.