NU Bulldogs clip UST Tigers

(J-jay Alejandro goes for a drive. Photo from Dante Peralta/ spin.ph)

The National University (NU) Bulldogs rolled past the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 94-84, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 men's basketball tournament on Wednesday, September 20, at the Mall of Asia (MOA) arena in Pasay City. The Bulldogs were up by just three points, 87-84, before they went on a 7-0 blast in the last two minutes of the game. "We have to give credit on all the five inside, because we needed the experience in the first round in order to make a push in the second round," NU head coach Jamike Jarin said on his team's execution in the final three minutes of the game. The two teams battled back and forth all throughout the game, resulting to 21 lead changes and five deadlocks. Import Issa Gaye paced NU with 17 points, 13 boards and four blocks, while veteran Dave Yu added 13 markers in 18 minutes. Bench players Regie Basibas and Jordan Sta. Ana combined for 37 points on an impressive 16/22 from the field. Bulldogs improved to a 2-1 record, while the Tigers remain winless after three games. UST will try to get their first win of the season against FEU on September 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena, while NU will try to continue their winning streak against Adamson on September 24 at the same venue.