National University's Jake Figueroa in action. UAAP Media
MANILA — National University leaned on captain Jake Figueroa to overcome Adamson University, 56-54, and regain its winning ways in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Bulldogs tore down an eleven-point 52-41 Adamson lead that was installed halfway through in the fourth period, as Figueroa led a monumental comeback with the help of Nash Enriquez and Gelo Santiago's conversions.
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Knocking on the Soaring Falcons' doorsteps, Figueroa tied the game at 52-all after his basket, but Cedrick Manzano was there for the layup that allowed Adamson to regain the lead, 54-52, 1:22 left.
Figueroa then completed an and-one with 53 seconds left that saw them overtake at 55-54. Adamson's Anthony Fransman and Manzano had their chances for a return, but to no avail as the former committed a crucial turnover, with Figueroa stealing the ball and drawing a foul on Manu Anabo.
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The 6-foot-3 standout's split on the foul line completed a 15-2 run that marked their win in comeback fashion.
"Akin lang siguro, galing kami sa talo, gusto namin ipakita na magba-bounce back kami. Nung fourth quarter, binigay sa 'kin 'yung bola ng mga teammates ko. Luckily, naka-convert naman kami 'pag crucial moments," he said after the game.
The Bulldogs held the Adamson side to a four-point slump in the second frame, but the Soaring Falcons overcame that, outscoring the NU crew in the succeeding period with a 21-10 third quarter.
Figueroa listed a total of 17 points, two rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Santiago and Jolo Manansala had nine markers each.
Manzano paced the losing cause with 16 points and four rebounds, as the Soaring Falcons fell further at 1-4.
Four days from now, NU takes on De La Salle University, aiming for a fifth win, while Adamson targets a bounce back win against University of the East on Saturday.