National University’s Jolo Manansala against Far Eastern University’s Mo Konateh in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — National University maintained its unblemished record in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball.
The Bulldogs have won two straight games after they fended off the comeback hopes of Far Eastern University, 84-68, during their Saturday afternoon clash at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Omar John topscored for NU with 16 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and a block, Jake Figueroa and Jolo Manansala each had 13 markers, while Mark Parks and PJ Palacielo were just as solid with eight points each.
But even after preserving their standing, Manansala touched on their mishaps that allowed FEU to attempt a fight back in the second half.
"More on [improvement dapat] sa decision making namin, and less turnovers," emphasized Manansala, whose squad improved to 2-0.. "Kasalanan namin kung bakit nahabol, so siguro, dapat mas maganda na yung decision making namin."
Ahead by 14 at halftime, the Jhocson-based squad saw their advantage erased in the third period, as an 18-to-three charge from Far Eastern U early in the same frame allowed them to briefly take the driver’s seat, 48-47.
However, Manansala and Palacielo took matters into their hands early in the fourth period, as the duo spearheaded an eight-to-two surge in that span, allowing National U to not only regain a double-digit lead but also re-establish their widest distance at 16 late in the contest.
On the other hand, Janrey Pasaol and Kirby Mongcopa both delivered 16 markers to lead the Tamaraws, Jorick Bautista closely followed with 15, while Mo Konateh listed eight markers with 15 boards.
This was the second straight loss of Far Eastern U in Season 88 as they were previously trumped by Ateneo de Manila University in the opening game last week.
The Scores:
NU 84 -- John 16, Figueroa 13, Manansala 13, Palacielo 8, Parks 8, Francisco 7, Enriquez 5, Padrones 5, Santiago 4, Jumamoy 3, Solomon 2, Garcia 0, Dela Cruz 0, Tulabut 0.
FEU 68 -- Pasaol 16, Mongcopa 16, Bautusta 15, Owens 9, Konateh 8, Daa 2, Salangsang 2, Felipe 0, Montemayor 0, Ona 0, Bagunu 0.
Quarterscores: 19-14, 44-30, 55-52, 84-68.