SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – The National University (NU) Bulldogs crushed the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 90-55, in the first game of the UAAP’s 75th season, which opened at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, July 14.
Following a fireworks-filled opening ceremony, the game had a slow start, with only Joshua Alolino Layup—good for a 2-0 lead for host team NU—to show for after 3 and a half minutes of action.
Despite the attacking play of UE’s Shei Roi Sumang and Pedrito Galanza, the Red Warriors had little going for them with NU’s Henri Betayene manning the paint. The Cameroonian big man altered attempts and forced slashers to adjust in mid-air, in one instance, swatting two shots in less than 10 seconds.
Forgoing set play, the Red Warriors opted to attack on the run. With pesky defense, Sumang led the UE run, which culminated in a buzzer-beating triple to end the quarter and put the Warriors up, 15-13.
Things went downhill for the red side, however, as the Bulldogs held them to only 8 points in the second canto. With a flurry of 6 three-pointers—4 of them coming in the first 4 minutes—NU led 48-23 at halftime.
The third quarter featured a spirited Red Warrior run. Early on, the Bulldogs dictated the pace of play with their superior athleticism. A pair of fastbreak dunks from Bobby Ray Parks and Emmanuel Mbe not only put NU up 56-25 but also drew out the first “oohs” and “aahs” of the season.
For a stretch of three minutes, UE’s Anthony Olayon scored put-backs, fastbreak layups and long-range bombs. The Parks-led Bulldogs had no problem matching their intensity. After 30 minutes of play, NU enjoyed a 72-40 advantage.
With NU assured of a win, the final period of play was more of a formality than a basketball contest. NU coach Eric Altamirano cleared out the bench to finish the game to the jubilant and raucous approval of the home crowd.
Jeoffrey Javillonar led the Bulldogs with 19 points while defending league MVP Parks had 16. UE floor general Sumang paced the Red Warriors with 21 markers.
Better rapport
In an interview after the game, Parks said he was proud of the team’s performance. “Stay together, stay humble and stay focused,” he said, echoing Bulldogs head coach Eric Altamirano’s words.
Parks also told Rappler that the team’s rapport is to thank for their 35-point win over UE. “Creating that relationship and that bond with them… it just shows on court,” he said.
Parks also downplayed predictions that the Bulldogs would be one of the teams to beat this season.
“We’re not really the the team to beat although everybody says that, Ateneo is definitely the team to beat–that’s a challenge for me,” he said.
NU will meet the Ateneo Blue Eagles next, on July 22, 2012 at 4pm in the MOA Arena.
NU, 90: Javillonar – 19, Parks – 16, Alolino – 12, Rosario – 10, De Guzman – 8, Villamor – 6, Mbe – 4, Labing-isa – 3, Ignacio – 3, Betayene – 3, Perez – 3, Neypes – 2, Celda – 2, Rono – 0, Khobuntin – 0
UE, 55: Sumang – 21, Razon – 8, Galanza – 8, Olayon – 7, Santos – 4, Belleze – 2, Javier – 2, Flores – 2, Sumido – 1, Alberto – 0, Villarias – 0, Valdez – 0, Duran – 0, Duncil – 0
Quarter scores: 13-15, 48-23, 72-40, 90-55
– Rappler.com
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