Rejuvenated NU takes on struggling Adamson

By Josiah Albelda Posted Aug 18th 2013

Time to make a run.

Coming off a huge win, National University hopes to finally assert its might in the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament as the Bulldogs battle Adamson University on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Sampaloc-based squad leaned on stout defense to deal erstwhile unbeaten Far Eastern University its first tournament loss last Wednesday. And if NU wants to live up to its billing as title contenders, then they better start piling up wins midway through the season.

Beating the Soaring Falcons, however, would be easier said than done, even with Adamson reeling with three straight losses.

Reigning two-time MVP Ray Parks still hasn't found his touch throughout the tourney, but has delivered the numbers for the Bulldogs when it mattered, including three free-throws in the last 35 seconds that lifted them over the Tamaraws.

"We need all the wins we could get in the second round," said coach Eric Altamirano, whose wards moved to second with a 5-3 record. "Every game is important."

This matchup, though, could be more important for the Falcons, who once looked promising with a 3-2 card, but has lost their last three outings to fall to seventh at 3-5.

Adamson won the first round meeting, 68 - 66, last July 20. Jericho scored 16 of his team-high 18 points in the second half in that game.

The game will air live on Studio 23, BALLS HD 167 and uaapsports.tv with a same day replay tonight at 8 p.m. on BALLS SkyCable channel 34/ Destiny Cable channel 36.