Bulldogs bite Maroons for first win in UAAP 72
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 07/12/2009 7:06 PM
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MANILA - The National University (NU) Bulldogs surprised everyone with a convincing 74-64 win over fancied University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in the 72nd Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
NU, which only managed two wins last season, shrugged off a listless start and overcame an eight-point deficit to open its season with a win.
Davao transferee Joseph Hermosisima sank three of his four triples in the third period to keep the Bulldogs afloat. Hermosisima's three-point bursts came on the heels of his backcourt partner Michael Luy's cramps injury.
The Bulldogs continued their attack padding the lead to 26, 70-44, on Larry Malanday's alley-‘oop in the 6:17 mark in the payoff period.
With their full court press in full display, it was an all Bulldogs' show in the second half.
"This is a big win for us and for (NU) Chairman Hans Sy. Credit goes to the whole team from the players to the coaching staff, who spent sleepless nights watching the tapes," Nu Coach Manny Dandan said.
The SM Group led by Henry and his son Hans Sy reinvigorated NU's school and sports program after buying a major stake last year.
No longer short of logistics and modern facilities, the Bulldogs were a step ahead and knew exactly every move the Maroons made in the game.
Hermosisima's 12 points led NU's well-balanced attack. Six other Bulldogs scored nine or more points to contribute to the rousing win.
Meanwhile, NU's one and only big man Jewel Ponferrada held his own against the celebrated Magi Sison, who had a stint in the Smart Gilas-RP Team in the summer.
Ponferrada finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds and two shotblocks against Sison's four and six boards. Alder T. Almo, uaapsports.com
The Scores:
NU 74 - Hermosisima 12, Singh 10, Ponferrada 10, Malanday 10, Luy 9, Batac 9, Baloran 9, Terso 4, Manito 1, Roy 0, magat 0, Fabula 0, Cabaluna 0.
UP 64 - Padilla 11, Gomez 11, Martin 9, Lopez 9, Co 9, Sison 4, maniego 4, Hipolito 3, Reyes 2, Juruena 2, Gingerich 0, Gamboa 0, Astorga 0.
Quarters: 10-18, 36-29, 53-44, 74-64.
For more UAAP news, visit www.uaapsports.com
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