Finally a W!!! The NU Bulldogs pulled off a convincing win over the UST Tigers with a score of 82-63.

1st Half

The Bulldogs went out of the gates early by immediately applying full-court pressure on UST as they went ahead, 3-0 after 2 minutes of play in the 1st quarter.

The Bulldogs then attacked the hoop and succeeded in getting the Tigers into penalty with 6:40 remaining. Both teams were trading offensive opportunities but nobody capitalized as the score again tied at 10-all with 2:15 minutes left in the 1st quarter.

Back to back treys from Cyrus Malagueno and the trip to the free throw line gave NU a 6-point edge to start the 2nd period with a score of 18-12.

The Bulldogs played good perimeter defense and denied USTs inside presence as they increased their lead to 11. But Jemal Vizcarra ended the NU run with a trey to cut the lead to 8, 23-15 with just 8:20 minutes remaining.

NU continued its excellent defense on the Tigers throughout the 2nd quarter. And on offense, NU spaced the floor to allow cuts and penetrations into the shaded area which led them to finish the 1st half with an 11-point lead with a score of 38-27.

2nd Half

The Tigers started out strong in the 3rd quarter and ignited a 7-0 run to slash the lead of NU to just 4, 38-34 after 2 minutes of action in the 3rd. Ronald King halted the UST run with a clutch trey to up the lead by 7, 41-34 with 7:41 minutes left in the quarter.

After an exchange of fastbreaks and 3 pointers by both squads, the Bulldogs were still on top by 9, 54-45 to end the 3rd quarter of hostilities.

NU opened up the 4th quarter by taking care of business in the paint like Dobermans and extended their lead to a whopping 18-points after 5 ½ minutes of play in the 4th.

UST made a last stand by applying pressure in the backcourt and was able to cut the lead to 13. But everything was falling for the Bulldogs so NU cruised past the Tigers in veteran fashion.

Notes: Coach Rico Perez decided to start Cesar Estolano, Jr. in favor of prime Bulldog Rey Mendoza. His decision was based by comparing the level of consistency provided by Estolano and Mendoza. Coach Perez believes that Estolano will be more effective on offense and defense against UST than PBL Veteran Mendoza.

The Scores:

NU 82 – D. Catamora 14, Miclat 11, Estolano 11, Fernandez 9, Asoro 8, Malagueno 7, King 7, Balijon 7, Malcontento 3, C. Catamora 3, Moradas 2, Mollena 1, Garcia 0.

UST 63 – Vizcarra 19, Pribhdas 13, Evangelista 6, Espiritu 5, De Guzman 5, Dizon 4, Allera 4, Sumalinog 3, Cortez 2, Manching 1, Duncil 1, Tong 0, Cuan 0.

Quarterscores: 18-12, 38-27, 54-45, 82-63