NU Bulldogs bite UE Red Warriors

(Dave Yu shooting for another point for the Bulldogs. Photo from: Inquirer Sports)

The National University (NU) Bulldogs won a blowout, 86-69, against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors in the first game of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 Men’s Basketball tournament last Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.

The Red Warriors stayed within striking distance for the first three quarters until the Bulldogs made a game-changing rally in the last canto that gave them their first win of the season.

The Bulldogs gave their new head coach Jamike Jarin a winning debut. Jarin joined the NU helm after he won a championship in San Beda last year.

The fourth year combo guard Dave Yu led the Sampaloc-based squad as he delivered 14 points on an efficient 63% shooting.

Senegalese import Issa Gaye, the replacement of Season 77 Finals MVP Alfred Aroga, made good account of himself as he contributed 11 markers, nine boards, and three blocks for NU.

Alvin Pasaol led the way for UE with 14 points in a 6-14 field goal shooting, one assist against six turnovers.

NU will next face defending champions De La Salle University on September 16 at the Big Dome, while UE will try to bounce back against the Far Eastern University on September 13 also at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

D. DIONEO

Players Scores:

NU 86 — Yu 14, Morido 12, Alejandro 11, Gaye 11, Aquino 9, R. Diputado 6, Salem 5, Abatayo 5, Bartlett 5, Mosqueda 4, Joson 2, Lastimosa 2

UE 69 — Pasaol 14, Maloles 10, Acuno 10, Olayon 6, Derige 5, Armenion 5, Abanto 5, Manalang 4, Varilla 2, Conner 2, Cruz 2, Bartolome 2, Cullar 2

Quarter Scores:

20-13, 38-30, 66-53, 86-69