NU Bulldogs take solo lead in UAAP Season 88 after beating La Salle 82-78

The National University (NU) Bulldogs have reclaimed the solo lead in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament with an 82-78 victory over La Salle.

PJ Palacielo was a spark off the bench, scoring 16 points on 60 percent shooting from the field and contributing significantly to the win.

Jake Figueroa led NU with 18 points and eight rebounds, supported by Paul Francisco and Gelo Santiago who added 13 and 12 points respectively.

The Bulldogs' win improved their record to 5-1, giving them a half-game advantage over second-place University of Santo Tomas, and handing La Salle its third loss in five matches.

NU guard Reinhard Jumamoy stated that their motivation stemmed from previous preseason losses to La Salle, emphasizing the team's application of lessons learned and scoring all his 8 points in the fourth quarter.

Jumamoy also made a crucial defensive stop with 12.1 seconds remaining and sealed the victory with two free throws with 3.1 ticks left.

La Salle forward Mike Phillips still registered 15 points and 16 rebounds, but went just 6-of-14 from the field and fouled out late in the game.

La Salle experienced a tough loss, marking their second consecutive defeat, and forward Mason Amos was injured during the fourth quarter with a suspected knee injury.