Mike Malonjo of National U. UAAP pictures
MANILA, Philippines – John Lloyd Clement and Mike Malonzo came to the rescue when National University won 73-68 against Far Eastern University, RJ Abriantos in the UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament lost a 33-point blast in Asia on Saturday.
Malonjo delivered five straight points to fight the Bulldogs 64-60 for 11-2, creating a 71-66 breath with 38.0 seconds to go to the fourth quarter.
NU locked down Abarrientos by just three points in the off-season and limited FEU to just one field goal in the last five minutes to end their two-game skid and improve to 2-2.
Clemente led the Bulldogs with 18 points, including two free throws that completed their comeback win and nine rebounds and six assists.
Malonjo played a key role with 14 points and seven boards, while Shaun Ildefenso added 13 markers and six rebounds before fouling in the fourth quarter.
“At least our elders have finally taken action. They were missing links in our last three matches, “said NU head coach Jeff Napa. “We have emphasized the need to lead this young team. They have played a good role model today and our villains have followed their lead. ”
RJ Abarrientos of FEU. UAAP pictures
Abarrientos fired eight triple fires to bring in 33 points but missed the most important baskets in the final seconds of the match as FEU suffered its third consecutive defeat in four games.
“We told each other that RJ had scored a lot. Kids can really play. But we noticed that once we stopped him, the speed would shift towards us. We really saved him until the end of the game, “said Ildefenso.
Royce Alforque had 13 points, three rebounds and three steals for Tamaraws. L-Jay Gonzales added nine points and six boards just to give up 27 fouls for his team, allowing NU to shoot 36 of 21 from the charity strip.
NU will take on Ateneo on Tuesday at 7pm, where fans will be welcomed at the MOA Arena. The FEU hopes to end its slump against the undefeated University of the East at 4 p.m.
Score
NU 73 – Clemente 18, Malonzo 14, Ildefonso 13, Minerva 9, Felicilda 7, Figueroa 5, Joson 4, Galinato 2, Tibayan 1, Gaye 0, Enriquez 0, Yu 0, Torres 0, Manansala 0, Mahina 0.
FEU 68 – Abarrientos 33, Alforque 13, Gonzales 9, Bienes 4, Tempra 4, Ojuola 3, Saxony 2, Torres 0, Coquia 0, Sleat 0, Li 0, Sandagon 0, Celzo 0.
Quarters: 14-18, 32-33, 49-58, 73-68.
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