Bulldogs bark, bite, bludgeon Maroons

Jonathan Fernandez fired 21 points, including three clutch free throws in the final minute, to power National U to a scary 107-104 victory over University of the Philippines yesterday to bolster its Final Four hopes in the 69th UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena.

The victory was the Bulldogs’ third against four setbacks as they tied the comebacking Far Eastern U Tams and the Adamson Falcons for third place behind the unbeaten Ateneo Eagles (6-0) and the second-running University of the East Red Warriors (4-2)

With Edwin Asoro, NU’s leading scorer, hobbled by early foul trouble, Fernandez took over, along with Cyrus Malagueno, Jason Malcontento and Jessie Garcia, as the Bulldogs held off the rallying Maroons to pull off the win.

"We didn’t lose hope, we just played as if we’re not in foul trouble," said Fernandez, who was slowed down by a sprain injury early in the season.

The Bulldogs blew an 82-72 lead at the onset of the fourth and trailed, 101-102, when Fernandez came through with a pair of pressure-packed charities and Garcia split his own trip to the line as NU wrested a 104-102 lead, entering the final minute.

University of the East whipped undermanned University of Santo Tomas, 74-63, in the second game to tighten its grip at No. 2 with a 5-2 slate.

"This is the UE basketball that I wanted to see," said UE coach Dindo Pumaren."We struggled in offense, but our defensive factor became evident and that’s how it should be in the second round."

Bonbon Custodio, Marcy Arellano and Mark Borboran combined for 39 points as the Warriors avenged their 77-91 loss to the Tigers in the first round.

Virgilio Serios, a transferee from Jose Rizal, knotted the count at 104-all which proved to be UP’s final basket as the Bulldogs clamped down on defense to deny the Maroons, who beat the Bulldogs, 95-86, in the first round.

Michael Salvado shattered the 104-all score while Fernandez sealed the victory with a free throw.

UP had one chance to force overtime but Marvin Cruz made an errant pass to Serios and the Maroons tumbled to their fifth loss against two wins.

Asoro finished with a season-low seven points.