Parks, NU drub UP late for 3rd win

By Josiah Albelda Posted Jul 15th 2013

University of the Philippines stayed within striking distance for the first 30 minutes. But once National University got its groove, there was no stopping the Bulldogs.

NU mauled the Fighting Maroons in the fourth period to pull away, 74-60, and book their third win in the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Armed with a slim 53-47 lead heading into the final canto, the Bulldogs dropped a backbreaking 10-1 bomb to take a 63-48 advantage with a little over five minutes left.

"I thought we did a good job on defense in the fourth," said NU coach Eric Altamirano. "Somehow, our offense clicked, too."

After scoring just 14 points in the third period, the Bulldogs jumped the gun on UP in the last 10 minutes, firing 21 markers as they tied idle University of Santo Tomas at second place with a 3-1 card.

Reigning MVP Bobby Ray Parks made just two field goals but sank 14 free-throws to finish with 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists while Jean Mbe added 15 points and 12 boards.

Gelo Alolino also came up big for the Sampaloc-based squad with 12 points, six rebounds and seven assists while Troy Rosario contributed 10 points and 5 boards.

"I think Gelo Alolino did a good job of making plays today," Altamirano said.

The Bulldogs also got help from the Maroons, who were assessed for 28 fouls, translating into 40 free-throw attempts for NU. They made 30.

On the other hand, UP only had 15 free-throw attempts, making nine.

Sam Marata top scored for the Diliman five with 14 points, but shot four of 16 from the field. Rookie Kyles Lao scored nine points in the first two quarters and finished with 11 while burly big man Raul Soyud had 10 points and 20 rebounds.

The Bulldogs continued their mastery of the Maroons, who haven't defeated NU since August 2009. UP also lost its 11th straight game dating back to Season 75.

NU (74) - Parks 18, Mbe 15, Alolino 12, Rosario 10, Javillonar 9, Rono 3, Alejandro 3, Villamor 2, Khobuntin 2, Porter 0, De Guzman 0

UP (60) - Marata 14, Lao 11, Soyud 10, Ball 8, Gallarza 5, Pascual 3, Gingerich 3, Asilum 3, Wong 2, Ligad 1, Suarez 0, Paras 0, Desiderio 0, Amar 0

Quarters: 21-13, 39-29, 53-47, 74-60