Parks’ jumper lifts NU to OT win over Adamson

MANILA, Philippines -- Bobby Ray Parks took over in the final minute, drilling a go-ahead jumper with 3.2 ticks remaining in the extra period to lead National University to a pulsating 70-68 win over Adamson in the Filoil Flying V Arena Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan on Monday.

With NU down by four in the last minute, Parks took matters to his own hands, forcing a foul and sank two free throws to knot the score 68-all with 37.6 seconds left, before hitting the game-winner.

Jericho Cruz had the chance to steal the win for Adamson but his half court heave fell short at the buzzer.

"We were struggling with our offense and Ray just took it upon himself to carry us in his back and found a way for us to win," said NU head coach Eric Altamirano.

Parks, for his part, instead praised his teammates and acknowledged his struggles on the defensive end.

"Actually I wasn’t playing well on defense. My teammates just lifted me up and helped keep us in the game and they encouraged me to just take the last shot," said the two-time UAAP MVP, who finished with 28 points.

The Bulldogs remain undefeated in six starts but their performance is still not on par with the standards set by their coach.

"We're really not up there yet with regards to our preparation because what we are really gearing up for is the main show in July (UAAP)," said Altamirano.

"We have a lot of room for improvements both on offense and defense," he added.

Alfred Aroga added 20 points and 16 rebounds to help NU’s cause.

Adamson opened up big in the third quarter with a 16-6 blast to tie the game 43-all after trailing the whole first half.

Cruz registered 16 markers while Lloyd Abrigo chipped in 12 for the Falcons, who dropped to 1-2 in the tournament that serves as a training ground for UAAP and NCAA teams.