Bulldogs rebound, edge Tigers 71-67

MANILA, Philippines – The NU Bulldogs bounced back from a sorry loss in their last game as they repulsed University of Santo Tomas, 71-67, in the Season 76 of the UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.

Despite losing some of their key players due to fouls, NU staved off a pesky UST side with both squads figuring in a free throw contest that featured missed charities from both squads.

UST's Kevin Ferrer banked a rainbow shot to cut the lead 67-70 with 1.6 left but NU's Robin Roño wisely split his free throws as time expired after the rebound play.

"We knew coming to this game that we will have a hard time because UST never gives up but I kept telling the boys to keep their composure for us to win," said NU coach Eric Altamirano.

"I think that is one of the things we need to work on how we protect our lead and have composure," he added.

Reigning two-time UAAP MVP Ray Parks fired a game-high 20 points and added six rebounds and four assists while Cameroonian big man John Mbe registered scattered 17 markers and pulled down 11 boards.

"UST is a really physical team but I think we held our own against them. And one thing we learned from our game against UE is we tightened up our rebounding," said Altamirano, referring to their heartbreaking 67-71 loss to UE last Saturday.

Parks was instrumental in the third canto, scoring nine points, including a vicious slam that led them to a 54-44 advantage the onset of the payoff period.

NU'a stifling defense limited the Tigers to a paltry 27.9 percent shooting compared to their respectable 41.4 percent clip.

UST gunner Jeric Teng suffered a shoulder injury in a collision with Joeffrey Javillonar late in the second quarter and did not come back for the rest of the game.

"The loss of Teng was huge loss for them because we actually prepared for him. We had to adjust our game plan in the second half," said Altamirano.

NU improved their record to 2-1 to tie UST in the team standings.