Bulldogs bark, bite unsuspecting Maroons

MANILA, Philippines — National U snapped out of a slump and caught a big fish in University of the Philippines with a stunning 67-47 blowout win to keep its Final Four hopes alive in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball yesterday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Bulldogs sprinted to a blazing 24-8 start, led by as many as 27 points and never looked back en route to a breakthrough win in the second round to tie Ateneo with similar 3-8 slates.

Patrick Yu rifled in 17 points on 5/7 clip from downtown to spearhead the way for the Bulldogs, who in the process derailed UP’s twice-to-beat bid.

The Maroons slipped to 9-2 albeit already in the semifinals with reigning champion La Salle (10-1).

Jake Figueroa was everywhere with 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals while PJ Palacielo and Gelo Santiago had nine and eight points, respectively, for the wards of coach Jeff Napa.

“Finally, nakuha namin ‘yung panalo sa second round. Akala namin maji-jinx kami,” said Napa as NU of all squads dealt UP its worst defeat this season.

Earlier, Far Eastern U also stayed afloat in the Final Four race with a huge 59-51 win over University of the East for a 4-7 slate, including three wins against a lone loss in the second round.

Gunner Jorick Bautista fired 14 points while Royce Alforque and Janrey Pasaol chipped in nine and seven points, respectively.