Bulldogs exit with stunning win vs Archers

MANILA, Philippines — Also-ran National U snapped reigning champion La Salle’s nine-game winning streak, 63-54, for a graceful exit in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball yesterday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Bulldogs caught the biggest fish on the way out in a surprise early elimination in a season marred by injuries including to that of import Mo Diassana right in their opening game. They ended up with a high 5-9 card.

Later, Ateneo, although already eliminated too, played spoiler to UE’s outright Final Four bid with a thrilling 71-67 win to improve to 4-9 entering its last assignment against another semis hopeful Adamson (5-7).

PJ Palacielo and Jake Figueroa showed the way with 16 and 14 points, respectively, as the Bulldogs won three of their last four games.

NU last week also stunned host University of the Philippines, 67-47, for a pair of victories against last year’s finalists, serving as fitting send-off for seniors Patrick Yu and Donn Lim.

“Sobrang happy ako sa players talaga. Binigay nila ‘yung best nila up to the last so see you next year. Ganoon ka-simple,” said coach Jeff Napa.