UAAP: Upsets pulled off as NU, Ateneo both triumphant

UPSETS occurred twice at the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, with the National University (NU) Bulldogs and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles both winning. 

As predicted before the season began, this year’s men’s basketball tournament will be unlike any previous, with upsets occurring in the most unexpected games and teams. 

Despite being eliminated from the Final Four, NU finished on a high note, defeating top-seeded De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers 63-54.

Meanwhile, Ateneo, like them, spoiled the victory-seeking University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, who were missing its star player Precious Momowei due to a one-game Suspension, 71-67.

One last bark

Ten days after defeating the UP Fighting Maroons at the same arena, the Bulldogs stunned the top-seeded De La Salle Green to round out their season on a high note on Wednesday. 

This victory allowed NU to end the season with a 5-9 record, winning three of its last four games. The Bulldogs are also the only team this season to defeat the Green Archers and Fighting Maroons.

NU stopped La Salle’s nine-game winning run, as opposed to their first-round game, in which the reigning champion won 78-75 after Mo Diassana suffered a season-ending knee injury, which also hampered their season.

“So happy sa mga players talaga na binigay nila yung best nila up to the last. See you next year. Definitely, and hopefully, maging healthy kami talaga next year para at least maganda yung magiging performance namin,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa.

PJ Palacielo finished the game with 16 points and eight rebounds, NU’s star player Jake Figueroa had 14 points and three rebounds, while Tebol Garcia scored eight points, all of which came in the first half. 

Kevin Quiambao went 3-for-17 for six points, seven rebounds, and five assists in 31 minutes on the floor. La Salle will go into the Final Four with a 12-2 record, losing only against NU and UE.

Blue Eagles escapes

Jared Bahay, a pized rookie from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, came out clutch for Ateneo, spoiling Precious Momowei-less UE’s quest to win a position in the Final Four in a close game. 

This ended the Blue Eagles’ three-game losing streak and improved their record to 4-9 after being eliminated from the Final Four race, while the Red Warriors’ effort to reach the Final Four for the first time since 2009 was thwarted once more, as they suffered their fourth consecutive defeat.

“There is more than just pride to play for. There’s the uniform that we wear and trying to live up to the standards that is expected of us by our community, by our teammates, and by ourselves,” said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin.

Andrew Bongo led the way for Ateneo with 15 points and six rebounds, while Shawn Tuano had 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Chris Koon added 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Bahay scored 11 points, five of which came in key situations. 

Ateneo will end its season on November 23 versus AdU Soaring Falcons at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan for the postponed Battle of the Birds, with the goal of ruining the latter’s bid for the final Final Four slot. 

Meanwhile, UE’s final elimination game will be against the UP Fighting Maroons next Wednesday, and the Red Warriors will need to win or run through the playoffs to secure their final Final Four position.