SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – National University (NU) needed an overtime spurt to beat hard-fighting Adamson University, 81-77, for their fifth win in the 75th UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Bulldogs wasted a 9-point lead with 28 seconds left, but later turned on the heat in the extra period to open their second round journey on a positive note, grabbing solo fourth spot with a 5-3 card.
Reigning MVP Bobby Ray Parks shone bright for NU once more with a game-high 31 points he spiked with 8 rebounds, 5 assists and two steals.
But Parks’ efforts almost went for naught after the Bulldogs committed blunder after blunder in the end-game while the Soaring Falcons racked up 3 straight triples in less than half a minute.
“I really believe this type of games will help us along the way,” said a relieved coach Eric Altamirano after the match. “I have to give it to Adamson. They never gave up.”
The Soaring Falcons looked out of it early after center Rodney Brondial was ejected for punching NU enforcer Jeff Javillonar early in the first quarter.
But the Bulldogs failed to capitalize on the loss of Brondial, unleashing several runs in the 3rd and 4th periods. They were never able to completely shoo Adamson away.
Two free throws by Parks pushed the Sampaloc-based crew to a 71-62 advantage before the Falcons mounted their comeback.
NU regrouped in overtime and peppered Adamson with 8 straight points to erect a 79-71 bubble that they would not relinquish.
“It’s really tough,” Parks, who became the first player to have back-to-back 30-point outings since 2003, sighed. “But we had to stick together and play as a team.”
Emmanuel Mbe took advantage of Brondial’s ejection to finish with 14 points and 20 rebounds while Robin Rono and Mark De Guzman combined for 18 points highlighted by 5 of the Bulldogs’ 10 three-pointers.
Meanwhile, Eric Camson came up with 23 points and 11 boards. Roider Cabrera broke out of a prolonged shooting slump to finish with 22 markers and 7 rebounds. -Rappler.com
NU, 81: Parks 31, Mbe 14, Rono 9, De Guzman 9, Rosario 6, Villamor 5, Alolino 4, Javillonar 3, Singh 0, Neypes 0, Labing-isa 0, Betayene 0
Adamson, 77: Camson 23, Cabrera 22, Cruz 12, Rios 9, Etrone 4, Monteclaro 3, Abrigo 3, Cabigas 1, Trollano 0, Petilos 0, Olalia 0, Julkipli 0, Brondial 0, Agustin 0
Quarter scoring: 16-14, 27-23, 46-41, 71-71, 81-77
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