After losing to the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the NU Bulldogs quickly bounced back and returned to the win column after defeating the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 85-66, in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
PJ Palacielo opened the game hot, scoring 10 points during the Bulldogs’ 24-9 run to finish the first quarter with a 26-16 lead.
NU Fights Off Adamson’s Rally
The Soaring Falcons fought back in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to just six, 58-52. However, Paul Francisco, Mo Diassana, and Chad Cartel quickly answered for NU, helping the Bulldogs restore a 12-point advantage, 64-52, heading into the final frame.
NU then pulled away in the fourth quarter to secure the victory and improve its record after the loss to the Blue Eagles.
“It’s a good response coming from a loss to Ateneo pero medyo subpar pa rin ’yung performance kasi nga we gave 13 three-pointers sa Adamson. We need to address that para coming to Saturday’s game, ma-correct namin ang mga sarili namin,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa.
Bulldogs Stepping Up
Palacielo led the Bulldogs with 19 points and 8 assists, while Francisco contributed 17 points and 6 rebounds. Diassana posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Reinhard Jumamoy added 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists.
For the Soaring Falcons, Ray Allen Torres led the way with 14 points, while Matty Erolon scored 12. Precious Jonah finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Mathew Montebon added 11 points and 5 assists.
The Bulldogs will next face the UST Growling Tigers on Saturday, October 10, at 3:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons will take on the UE Red Warriors on Sunday, October 11, at 2:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
