NU pulls off upset against UP; FEU remains in Final Four hunt with win vs UE

National University pulled off a major upset as it dominated University of the Philippines, 67-47, in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament on Sunday at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Bulldogs relied on a strong start as it limited the Fighting Maroons to just eight points in the first period against their 24-point romp. 

NU had a 34-20 lead at the end of the first half but made another run in the third quarter as it outscored UP, 21-11. The wards of head coach Jeff Napa even led by as much as 27, 62-35, at the 6:06 mark of the fourth period before claiming the win.

Patrick Yu had 17 points, while Jake Figueroa had 11 points for the Bulldogs who improved to 3-8.

Only Aldous Torculas scored in double-digits for the Diliman-based squad with 13 points. JD Cagulangan was limited to eight points, while Francis Lopez had two points as UP dropped to 9-2.

Earlier, Far Eastern University remained in the hunt for a Final Four spot as it also pulled off an upset against University of the East, 59-51.

The Tamaraws also had a strong start as it outscored the Red Warriors, 23-9, in the first period. 

UE trimmed its deficit to within seven, 56-49, after a Wello Lingolingo jumper with 64 seconds left in the game. However, freebies from Jorick Bautista and Mo Konateh late in the game sealed the deal for the Morayta-based squad.

Rookie Veejay Pre showed his talent anew as he had 20 points, eight boards, and a block, while Bautista had 12 points for the Tamaraws who improved to 4-7.

Precious Momowei's 21-rebound, 18-point output went to naught as the Red Warriors' supposed entry to the Final Four was delayed. Rainier Maga also had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds as UE slipped to 6-5.

By virtue of the FEU win against UE, league-leading De La Salle University (10-1) has also secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News