University of the Philippines Mounts Comeback to Defeat National University 66-59 in UAAP Season 88

In a thrilling UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball match held at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons overcame a 13-point gap to defeat National University (NU) Bulldogs, 66-59. The come-from-behind triumph brings UP’s record to 2-2 while handing NU their first defeat after starting the season with three consecutive wins.

NU dominated the third quarter, leading 47-34 at one point, but UP closed the period trailing narrowly, 49-48. The Fighting Maroons then launched an aggressive 8-0 run early in the fourth quarter to seize the lead with five minutes left on the clock.

Although NU’s PJ Palacielo briefly interrupted UP’s momentum with a free throw, Gani Stevens’ jumper extended UP’s lead to 58 points with about three minutes remaining. Following Palacielo’s free throws, UP responded with another 7-1 scoring run, including a clutch jumper by Reyland Torres that widened the margin to 12 with just 34 seconds to go.

NU’s Jake Figueroa attempted to close the gap with a three-pointer, followed by Palacielo’s jumper and free throws, trimming UP’s lead to six. However, Stevens secured the win with a late free throw.

Leading the Maroons’ charge was Francis Nnoruka, who contributed 14 points and six rebounds, while Gani Stevens added 10 points. For the Bulldogs, Steve Nash Enriquez led all scorers with 16 points, supported by Gelo Santiago’s 10 points.

Final Scores:

University of the Philippines (UP): 66 — Nnoruka 14, Stevens 10, Alarcon 8, Yniguez 8, Remogat 6, Fortea 5, Bayla 4, Torres 4, Belmonte 4, Briones 3, Abadiano 0, Palanca 0

National University (NU): 59 — Enriquez 16, Santiago 10, Figueroa 9, Palacielo 7, Francisco 4, Manansala 4, John 4, Jumamoy 3, Padrones 2, Garcia 0, Parks 0, Dela Cruz 0

Quarter Scores: 13-19, 34-40, 48-49, 66-59

The Fighting Maroons’ resilience and timely shooting proved decisive in evening their season record and halting the Bulldogs’ early momentum in this competitive UAAP matchup.