National University star Jake Figueroa (#20) against University of the East in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — National University flexed its might in its UAAP Season 88 men's basketball opener.
The Bulldogs of Jeff Napa opened their campaign on a winning note after they dominated University of the East, 72-57, in their Sunday afternoon bout at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in España.
NU senior Jake Figueroa led his squad with 16 points, six rebounds, five steals, and three assists, Paul Francisco was solid with 12 markers on 2-of-3 shooting from three, while Kenshin Padrones posted a 10-point, nine-rebound game.
"Thank you for this win, pero mahaba pa yung season," said Napa after the contest. "Masaya kami na nalagpasan namin itong first game."
Napa welcomed their opening day with high regard, as in Season 87, the Bulldogs immediately lost their foreign student-athlete right in that contest due to injury.
"Kahit papano, walang nangyari sa players namin, so looking forward na kami sa susunod," added the former National U sniper, whose squad played with an All-Filipino lineup until the previous season ended.
Only a five-point game at halftime with the Jhocson-based cagers leading 39-34, Napa's men shifted to higher gears in the third canto by going on a 9-0 charge for a 48-34 lead.
The Bulldogs' defense left the Red Warriors without a field goal until the 4:55 mark of the same frame when John Abata made a three-pointer, but National U held on with their lead until the game progressed, even leading by as much as 23 in the fourth, 68-45.
However, while Napa hailed the Bulldogs for their shift in focus in the second half, he maintained that they still need to clean up their mishaps to maintain this level of play.
"Yun yung emphasis namin, yung effort on both ends," he said. "Yun yung tinrabaho namin during our camp, so hopefully, maging consistent kami at mas maging ready pa."
On the other hand, Precious Momowei paced UE with 12 markers, 16 boards, three dimes, two steals, and a block, while Abate followed with 10 points, two rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block.
The Scores:
NU 72 — Figueroa 16, Francisco 12, Padrones 10, John 8, Santiago 8, Palacielo 6, Jumamoy 4, Manansala 3, Enriquez 3, Garcia 2, Dela Cruz 0, Parks 0, Solomon 0, Tulabut 0, Reyes 0.
UE 57 — Momowei 12, Abate 10, Tañedo 8, Dumont 5, Datumalim 5, Caoile 4, Lagat 4, Lingolingo 4, Jimenez 4, Rosete 1, Robles 0, Mulingtapang 0, Cabero 0, Malaga 0, Despi 0.
Quarterscores: 24-20, 39-34, 59-45, 72-57.