By NIKOLE JAVIER
National University needed the heroics of Jake Figueroa in regulation before outlasting La Salle in overtime, 80-77, in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With the thrilling win, the Bulldogs climbed to 4-1 in the standings for the solo second.
The NU side delivered a balanced effort led by Figueroa’s double-double performance of 15 points and 10 rebounds on a decent 4-of-8 shooting, while Jolo Manansala finished with 13 points.
Pat Yu and Omar John contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Neither squads could entirely pull away from each other in regulation and engaged in an exciting nip-and-tuck affair through the match.
In the other game, Adamson fended off University of the East, 72-62, for a 3-2 record.
The Falcons came to their senses just in time after blowing a 15-point advantage.
Ced Manzano and Matthew Montebon’s combined 26 points helped Adamson down the stretch, while Matt Erolon added 10 points of his own.
The Red Warriors absorbed their second straight loss for a 2-3 slate.
The scores:
First Game
NU 80 – Figueroa 15, Manansala 13, Yu 12, John 10, Baclaan 7, Malonzo 7, Enriquez 7, Lim 5, Palacielo 4, Galinato 0, Parks 0.
DLSU 77 – Quiambao 25, Nonoy 10, Nelle 9, M Phillips 7, Abadam 6, B Phillips 5, Escandor 5, Manuel 3, Austria 3, Policarpio 2, Nwankwo 2, David 0, Macalalag 0.
Quarters: 19-16, 37-37, 52-52, 67-67, 80-77.
Second Game
ADAMSON 72 – Manzano 13, Montebon 13, Erolon 10, Hanapi 9, Sabandal 8, Yerro 7, Magbuhos 5, Barasi 3, Calisay 2, Ojarikre 2, Ramos 0, Colonia 0, Anabo 0, Barcelona 0, Canete 0.
UE 65 – Remogat 27, Lingolingo 15, Maglupay 5, Gilbuena 4, Cruz-Dumont 3, Galang 3, Wilson 2, Sawat 2, Tulabut 2, Momowei 2, Alcantara 0, Fikes 0.
Quarters: 19-16, 38-26, 53-50, 72-65.
