NU’s Ken Padrones during a game against Ateneo in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–National University finally caught a break by extending Ateneo’s worst start with a 78-68 beating in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament Saturday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

Kenshin Padrones was productive with 18 points and six rebounds to help the Bulldogs halt a four-game skid. Jake Figueroa helped with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

“Finally, at least na-break na namin yung four-game losing streak na heartbreak,” NU coach Jeff Napa said as his squad improved to a 2-5 card to cap the first round.

NU coach Jeff Napa and Ken Padrones after ending a four-game skid. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/rVN4h1BYwH

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) October 5, 2024

“Hopefully, this win will give us confidence going into our second round [we’re] still adjusting pero ako I give credit sa mga players pa rin kasi they try their best pa rin to compete,” Napa added, still lamenting the loss of their foreign student-athlete Mo Diassana.

The Bulldogs were in control all throughout the game, gaining a lead as much as 14 points in the third quarter.

Kyle Gamber punched in a triple to cut NU’s lead to just five, 63-58, before a Jared Bahay 3-pointer kept Ateneo in the game, 74-66, in the fourth period.

The Bulldogs, however, finally put the game away after a jumper by Jolo Manansala made it 76-66 with only 1:07 remaining.

“Whatever the result is, yun nga yung in-address ko sa kanila eh, we should compete whatever the result. Yung result magiging outcome na lang yun kung whatever man at least wala kaming regret sa gagawin namin so coming to our second round focus ulit kami,” Napa said.

The Blue Eagles, whose only victory came from a 60-51 result against Adamson, were on the losing end for the sixth time in seven tries. Andrew Bongo’s 17 points paced Ateneo while Bahay finished with 15 points and four assists.

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