NU Bulldogs regain top spot after edging La Salle, 82–78

National University reclaimed the top spot in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament with a gritty 82–78 win over De La Salle University at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Bulldogs unleashed a decisive 27–17 fourth-quarter run to seize control, then held off a late surge by the Green Archers, who lost star forward Mason Amos to a suspected knee injury down the stretch.

With this victory, NU improved to 5–1—already matching last season’s win total—and broke its tie with the UST Growling Tigers (4–1). The Bulldogs have now won two in a row since their loss to defending champion UP.

It’s a remarkable turnaround for NU, which struggled last year after import Mo Diassana’s early injury. Now, with Omar John anchoring the paint, the Bulldogs have emerged as one of the league’s most balanced and resilient squads.

"Nung mga preseason games, talagang iniisip ko kung paano tatagos sa depensa ng La Salle," said Palacielo, who scored 10 of his total production in the pivotal last period. "Kanina, tinignan ko lang talaga kung ano yung bibigay nila sa akin tiyaka ko tintry atakihhin."

In the second game, defending champion University of the Philippines eked out a 69–66 win over Far Eastern University, notching a fourth straight victory after a rocky 0–2 start. Harold Alarcon led UP with 15 points, with Gani Stevens (14) and Reyland Torres (12) chipping in.

UP now looks ahead to a marquee clash with the La Salle Green Archers on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

NU 82 -- Figueroa 18, Palacielo 16, Francisco 13, Santiago 12, Jumamoy 8, Parks 6, Garcia 4, John 3, Manansala 2, Enriquez 0, Padrones 0, Dela Cruz 0, Navarro 0, Reyes 0.

La Salle 78 -- Phillips 15, Cortez 15, Baclaan 11, Pablo 8, Amos 7, Gollena 6, Macalalag 5, Abadam 4, Daep 3, Dungo 2, Nwankwo 2, Melencio 0, Marasigan 0.

Quarterscores: 21-23, 40-40, 55-61, 82-78.