The NU Bulldogs moved closer to securing a twice-to-beat playoff advantage after escaping the FEU Tamaraws, 70-64, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, November 12.
Potential MVP candidate Jake Figueroa delivered another all-around performance with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, including the biggest shot of the game with a booming triple from the left wing for the final tally with 1:13 remaining, as NU secured its 10th win in 12 games.
“We are still not satisfied since we’re about to enter the final stretch of the eliminations,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa in Filipino. “It’s a challenge to make the players understand that they need to level up as we move closer to our goals — and do it the right way.”
NU took the lead for good with 6:53 left after a bank shot by Figueroa. Paul Francisco followed it up with a triple from rainbow country to stretch the cushion to 63-59.
FEU, led by Janrey Pasaol’s 15 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds, tried to rally but failed to convert a potential game-tying three-pointer.
The Tamaraws’ chances of making the Final Four grew slimmer as they slipped to a 4-7 record, good for seventh place.
Meanwhile, the UST Growling Tigers snapped a four-game skid after defeating the struggling UE Red Warriors, 109-97, in the day’s first game.
UST claimed its first win in nearly a month behind a collective effort from Nic Cabañero, Gelo Crisostomo, and Nigerian center Collins Akowe, who combined for 49 points and 28 rebounds.
“Credit to our players for sticking together through adversity,” said UST assistant coach Japs Cuan in Filipino. “It was tough, but they kept believing in each other.”
The Tigers led by as many as 27 points, 82-55, with 2:38 left in the third quarter, but rookie guard Dylan Despi and Precious Momowei tried to rally UE back into contention.
Despi’s free throws trimmed the gap to nine, 92-83, at the 4:32 mark, before UST responded with an 8-0 run to restore a 17-point lead, 100-83, with 3:48 left.
UE once again closed the gap to nine with 2:16 remaining, but co-captain Cabañero scored five of his 19 points in the final two minutes to seal UST’s sixth win of the season against five losses.
“We need to be ready from the first man to the 16th man. We also have to check our egos,” said Cabañero in Filipino.
“It’s not about me, Nic Cabañero; it’s not about Collins Akowe or Forthsky Padrigao — it’s about respecting one another. That’s how our coaches mold us to be mentally tough, especially after that four-game losing streak.”
Wello Lingolingo led UE with 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, while Despi, a former Bacolod standout, posted a career-high 17 points along with 5 rebounds and 7 assists.
Momowei added 17 points and 15 rebounds as the Red Warriors extended their losing streak to 18 games dating back to 2024.
