NU targets share of UAAP lead against Adamson
The Bulldogs enter the second round on a three-game winning streak, while Adamson comes off a 63-60 victory over defending champion La Salle.
National University can draw level with UP atop the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball standings when it faces Adamson at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Blue Eagle Gym. NU carries a 5-2 record into its second-round opener, with UP at 6-2.
Adamson, at 4-3, can move into joint second place with NU by winning the rematch. The Bulldogs won their first encounter 85-66 and have since built a run of three consecutive victories.
The earlier men’s fixture pits Far Eastern University against Ateneo at 2:30 p.m. FEU, also 4-3, is seeking to halt a three-game losing streak, while Ateneo holds a 3-4 record. La Salle and University of Santo Tomas are both at 4-4.
NU coach Jeff Napa said consistency remained a priority. His team topped the elimination round last season but then lost twice to eventual champion La Salle. Following the graduation of several core players, Reinhard Jumamoy and PJ Palacielo have emerged to rank first and third respectively in the MVP race after the opening round.
Adamson’s Monty Montebon stands sixth in that race. Coach Nash Racela said his squad had exceeded his expectations over the first seven games, including a 63-60 win against La Salle, but stressed that another seven games remained and the team still needed to improve.
