NU turns back UST to stay in Final Four hunt

National University rediscovered its winning form to turn back University of Santo Tomas, 67-62, for back-to-back victories in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

The Bulldogs are finding their way back to Final Four contention with a 4-8 card, which was also possible following their stunning victory over University of the Philippines last week.

Jolo Manansala led the way for NU with 18 points that went with seven rebounds, while PJ Palacielo provided ample support with 15 points on top of six rebounds.

Likewise, veteran guard Jake Figueroa finished with a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double outing to save the Bulldogs from further defeat.

In the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs fought their way back from a 47-55 hole and unleashed a huge 17-3 run to turn the tide which was capped by Figuerod's dunk at the 4:26 mark, 64-58.

By then, the Growling Tigers continued to commit costly turnovers and misfire their shots before Kyle Paranada ended their misery with a triple followed by Mo Tounkara's split free throws to pull themselves within just two, 64-62, with 31.9 ticks to go.

However, UST's last-gasp efforts eventually went for naught as NU's Gelo Santiago iced the game with two freebies.

"Number one thing is 'yung mga hindi naniniwala na natalo namin yung UP, ito na 'yung kasunod. Hindi malas 'yung UP nagaro lang kami ng tama. Ganon kasimple tinalo rin namin 'yung UST naglaro ulit kami ng tama. Ganun lang kasimple. Thankful ako sa players ko. Ganun kasimple," said NU head coach Jeff Napa.

The Growling Tigers dropped to 5-7 in the standings despite Nic Cabañero’s game-high 19 points.

Mo Tounkara, who was also steady help, posted a double-double showing with 15 points and grabbed 18 rebounds as UST hangs in balance at the fourth spot.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News