On Saturday, the NU Bulldogs proved they have one of the deadliest frontcourts in the entire league as their frontline helped blow out the UE Red Warriors, 76-56, to enter win column for the first time in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
The win improved the Jhocson‑based squad to a 1‑1 slate, entering a scramble in the standings with the UST Growling Tigers, Ateneo Blue Eagles, and La Salle Green Archers, who all share similar records.
Veteran PJ Palacielo—who played off the bench—credited the importance of having Kenshin Padrones and Mo Diassana as his fellow bigs, with the trio combining for 32 points and 31 rebounds in a dominant showing.
“Una talaga sinasabi ko sa kanila lalo na first five si Kenshin saka si Mo, iwasan nila ‘yung foul trouble, kasi mahirap talaga pag nawala isa sa’min,” Palacielo said postgame. “Kailangan talaga kaming tatlo sa loob ng court. ‘Yun lang naman ginagawa namin, lalabas naman laro namin pag ginagawa namin ‘yun.”
Palacielo Rues Third Quarter Struggles as NU Prepares to Face UP
Despite the blowout, the Bulldogs were caught sleeping in the third frame, as UE used a 20‑12 third quarter to cut the deficit. However, a fourth‑quarter explosion from National U eventually sealed their victory.
Palacielo, one of NU’s leaders, unsurprisingly rued the team’s lack of composure that quarter and emphasized the need to communicate in order to close out games properly.
“Nag‑relax talaga. ‘Yun lagi sakit namin, ‘yung second half, nagre‑relax. Sobrang crucial…, ‘yun ‘yung mag di‑dictate kung makukuha namin ‘yung panalo or hindi. Sabi namin sa isa’t isa, pag hindi tayo naguusap, walang nangyayari,” Palacielo said.
The Bulldogs will now have a week of rest before returning to action on Saturday, September. 26, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena against the UP Fighting Maroons, who remain undefeated through two games.
Heading into that marquee matchup, Palacielo said that he and the rest of the Bulldogs will throw different looks at UP to try and take down the reigning silver medalists as NU takes things one day at a time for the duration of the season.
“One game at a time lang, hindi naman porket kalaban natin UE ngayon tapos UP next game, eh same lang ng preparation. Siyempre iba’t ibang kalaban ‘yan… Hindi same ‘yung gagawin namin,” Palacielo said.
However the Bulldogs prepare, Palacielo and his fellow frontcourt standouts will have to be stellar if NU wants to stop the barreling ram that is UP.
