The NU Bulldogs’ PJ Palacielo and Reinhard Jumamoy are breaking molds, so to speak, in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament. Palacielo, a big man, is doing a lot of passing and playmaking at the pivot, while Jumamoy, a point guard, is getting quite a lot of rebounds.
The two were at it again in NU’s 85-66 victory over the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Wednesday, with Palacielo leading the Bulldogs in assists and Jumamoy spearheading the rebounding. In that win, Jumamoy finished with 10 rebounds, while Palacielo contributed 8 assists.
Part of the Game Plan, Says Jumamoy
Jumamoy’s rebounding excellence against Adamson isn’t a one-off. This Season 89, the fourth-year point guard has seemingly been playing bigger than his listed height of 5-foot-11 as he is averaging an impressive 6.4 rebounds per game. His crashing the boards and Palacielo serving as the fulcrum of the offense, according to the veteran guard himself, are part of NU’s game plan.
“Siguro part ng game plan namin na si PJ [Palacielo] is one of the main men namin na nakukuha niya score niya sa post,” said the senior guard after the win against Adamson. “Ayun, effective naman siya, so siguro nagkataon lang na ‘yung mga cutters namin nakukuha niya, nakikita niya, so madami siyang assists.”
Aside from the 8 dimes, Palacielo also recorded 19 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal in 25 minutes of action. Across 5 games, he is averaging 12.4 points, 4.6 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. Jumamoy, meanwhile, made up for Palacielo’s two-rebound effort by grabbing 10 boards for NU.
More Challenges Await
The Bulldogs’ seemingly unorthodox approach will face another test when they take on the UST Growling Tigers on Saturday, October 10.
Palacielo, in particular, will be tested to the limit by the towering 6-foot-10 Collins Akowe. Jumamoy and his improved rebounding, meanwhile, will face a tough challenge against UST’s backcourt duo of Mark Llemit and Amiel Acido.
