For the first time in 10 games over a six-year span, the NU Bulldogs took down the Ateneo Blue Eagles in a thrilling 78-74 finish in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, November 2.
Jolo Manansala had a breakout game for the ages with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, plus 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, while Kean Baclaan scattered 10 points, 4 dimes, and 3 boards to help NU climb to solo second place in the tournament with a 6-3 record.
It was NU’s first win over Ateneo since September 11, 2016.
A game of runs early on was eventually nullified as both sides countered the other with their own offensive spurts, leading to Ateneo taking a small 57-56 lead in the final frame.
Dave Ildefonso drilled a three midway through the fourth to give the Eagles a 65-64 lead, but that would turn out to be the last time they hold an advantage as NU moved ahead on a pivotal 6-0 swing, ending with a Germy Mahinay layup off a Baclaan feed for the 70-65 separation.
Although Kai Ballungay made his presence felt on both ends with two clutch free throws followed up with a steal on Baclaan that led to a tying BJ Andrade layup, 72-all, with 46.7 ticks left, Manansala quickly countered with a great backdoor cut and easy reverse layup off a Patrick Yu feed for a 74-72 lead.
Ildefonso had one last shot to tie the game, but Michael Malonzo closed out for a clutch block that led to a split trip from the line that sealed the deal with 15.5 seconds left, 76-72.
Andrade led all scorers in the heartbreaking loss with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting and 3-of-4 from three, while Ballungay scored 15 plus 9 boards, 4 steals, and 2 assists, which were ultimately not enough to keep Ateneo from sliding down to third place with a 5-3 slate.
NU now turns its attention to Saturday, November 5, for a revenge date with first-round conqueror FEU at 3 pm, while Ateneo likewise seeks a bounce-back win over rival La Salle at the blockbuster 6:30 pm main event.
The Scores
NU 78 – Manansala 17, Baclaan 10, Clemente 9, John 8, Yu 6, Minerva 6, Malonzo 5, Enriquez 5, Palacielo 4, Figueroa 3, Galinato 3, Mahinay 2, Tibayan 0, Tulabut 0.
Ateneo 74 – Andrade 21, Ballungay 15, Ildefonso 14, Garcia 6, Koon 4, Lazaro 4, Chiu 3, Gomez 3, Kouame 2, Padrigao 2, Quitevis 0.
Quarters: 14-20, 41-29, 56-57, 78-74.
