MANILA, Philippines -- Bobby Ray Parks came through with a brilliant performance leading NU past a listless UP squad with a 79-62 victory in the 76th season of the UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City Wednesday.
The two-time MVP erupted for 30 points including 10 rebounds and five assists while Emmanuel Mbe added a double-double performance of 14 markers and 13 boards for the league-leading Bulldogs.
"We talked about this game the last three days. We didn't want to take UP lightly. There is a significane in this game. I think we are assured of a playoff but we still have two more games and we have to be ready," said NU coach Eric Altamirano.
"We're happy with our play but I believe we can still do better and improve," he added.
UP tried to mount a comeback in the payoff period opening the quarter with a 7-0 zip but NU countered with 9-2 run capped by a Robin Roño triple to take a comfortable 73-57 lead with 4:35 remaining.
NU breezed to the finish that also included an emphatic slam from Parks over Raul Soyud at the 1:43 mark to extend their lead 77-62.
"Coach (Eric) has been getting on me with my shooting and I've been putting effort into it but credit also to my teammates for feeding me the ball," said Parks who shot 60 percent from the field including three triples.
Soyud led the Maroons with 17 points and 12 boards while Sam Marata chipped in 13 points for the Diliman-based squad.
NU improved to league-best record 9-3 while UP remain at the bottom of the standings and still winless in 11 games.