Bulldogs wallop Tigers to start post-Parks era

MANILA, Philippines -- National University walloped a hapless University of Santo Tomas side hacking out a commanding 59-40 victory to kick of its campaign in the 77th season of the UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

Gelo Alolino led the Bulldogs' balanced attack with 13 points in a game where they had six players with at least five points in a low-scoring affair.

"I think it was more of a defensive game or both teams didn't shoot well. But we played sound defense they didnt shoot well that's it," said NU Coach Eric Altamirano.

"Honestly I didn't expect to win with a big margin basta kami we wanted to focus on our defense," he added.

UST was held to a measly 40-point output which tied the lowest since September 8, 2011 when NU also held DLSU to the same output in a 56-40 victory.

NU did not skip a beat despite losing skipper Ray Parks in their lineup, Altamirano believes the team is well prepared in their life without the two-time MVP.

"It's a new season. We've moved on and I think the players understand na wala si Ray kaya sinabi ko sa mga players pagtulungan natin ito and it will be a collective effort for us," said Altamirano.

NU opened the second half with a 12-2 run capped off by Alolino's floater at the 5:02 mark of the third quarter to extend their lead 37-23.

The Tigers not able to string together a comeback, in large part due to the Bulldogs stingy defense that limited them to a measly 19-point effort inthe second half.