0.5-Second Shot Delivers NU a Thrilling Victory
Reinhard Jumamoy banked a game-winning three-pointer as National University escaped UST, 87-85, in UAAP Season 89 overtime action. His shot with 0.5 seconds remaining rescued the Bulldogs after they surrendered a nine-point fourth-quarter advantage.
Jumamoy Delivers After NU Nearly Lets Victory Slip
National University survived a dramatic overtime finish against University of Santo Tomas on Saturday at SMART Araneta Coliseum. Justin Valencia of Tiebreaker Times documented the Bulldogs’ narrow escape after their comfortable fourth-quarter advantage disappeared.
NU led 77-68 with 2:09 remaining in regulation before UST completed its comeback and forced overtime. Bulldogs coach Jeff Napa acknowledged his team’s mistakes while recognizing the effort required to survive the additional period.
“Right from the start of the game, meron akong binatong question sa team ko na how hard will they push for this game? It went overtime, so hats off sa players ko. Talagang ibinigay nila, although ang daming crucial mistakes,” Napa said.
Image from: Tiebreaker Times
Jumamoy Banks Winner With 0.5 Seconds Left
Trailing 85-84, Jumamoy stepped back against Mark Llemit and banked a deep three-pointer with 0.5 seconds remaining. UST received one final opportunity, but Mo Diassana blocked Amiel Acido’s three-point attempt to preserve NU’s victory.
Jumamoy Takes Charge in Decisive Moment
Jumamoy finished with 19 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals while delivering NU’s decisive basket. His winning shot followed several unsuccessful attempts during regulation and overtime, making the final possession particularly dramatic.
Collins Akowe blocked Jumamoy’s earlier layup with 5.3 seconds remaining before NU regained possession for another opportunity. The Bulldogs guard later explained his determination to take responsibility despite his previous misses during crucial possessions.
“Inisip ko lang na ako na ‘yung titira. Ini-ensayo ko naman ‘yun eh. ‘Yung laging sinasabi ni Coach sa akin na sobrang kapal ng mukha ko, nag-take charge lang ako,” Jumamoy shared.
Earlier Misses Set Up Jumamoy’s Final Opportunity
Jumamoy missed a potential regulation winner before another unsuccessful three-point attempt during the closing moments of overtime. Rookie Kirk Cañete subsequently missed two free throws, allowing NU another possession that produced Jumamoy’s winning basket.
UST Forces Overtime With Furious Fourth-Quarter Rally
The Growling Tigers trailed 41-27 at halftime before entering the fourth quarter facing a 64-51 deficit. UST eventually erased NU’s 77-68 advantage, with Acido and Llemit helping force overtime at 77-all.
Landyn Jumawan then scored eight points during overtime, including two three-pointers and two successful free throws. His late scoring pushed UST ahead 85-84 with 35.3 seconds remaining before Jumamoy delivered NU’s final answer.
Three Tigers Finish With At Least 20 Points
Jumawan led UST with 22 points, six rebounds, and four steals despite the team’s heartbreaking overtime defeat. Llemit contributed 21 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Acido recorded 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
NU Gets Production Beyond Its Starting Guard
PJ Palacielo supported Jumamoy with 16 points, including 14 during the first half of NU’s victory. Kenshin Padrones contributed 11 points, four rebounds, and two blocks as the Bulldogs maintained their scoring balance.
Mac Alfanta and Paul Francisco scored 10 points apiece, giving NU five players finishing in double figures. That production helped the Bulldogs establish their early advantage before UST mounted its dramatic fourth-quarter comeback.
Five Bulldogs Finish With Double-Digit Scoring
Jumamoy’s 19 points led NU, followed by Palacielo’s 16 and Padrones’ 11 during the overtime victory. Francisco and Alfanta completed the Bulldogs’ double-digit scoring group with 10 points each against the Growling Tigers.
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NU Improves to 4-2 Before FEU Test
The victory extended NU’s winning streak to two games and improved its UAAP Season 89 record to 4-2. The Bulldogs were scheduled to face Far Eastern University on October 18 at the Blue Eagle Gym.
UST suffered its second consecutive defeat, dropping to 2-3 and seventh place in the standings after Saturday’s loss. The Growling Tigers were scheduled to return against FEU on October 14 at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Bulldogs Carry Two-Game Winning Streak Into FEU
NU entered its remaining first-round assignment against FEU following consecutive victories that improved its record to 4-2. The Bulldogs‘ overtime escape also highlighted their ability to recover after surrendering a substantial fourth-quarter advantage.
Analytical Breakdown: Winning the Closing Moments
Jumamoy’s willingness to keep attacking after earlier misses showed valuable confidence when NU needed decisive late-game creation. NU’s larger concern remains closing execution, because surrendering a nine-point advantage exposed weaknesses in possession management and defensive discipline. Diassana’s final block also proved essential, showing that clutch offense still requires one disciplined defensive possession to secure victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who hit the game-winner for NU against UST?
Reinhard Jumamoy banked a three-pointer with 0.5 seconds remaining to secure NU’s dramatic 87-85 overtime victory against UST.
What was the final score of NU versus UST?
National University defeated University of Santo Tomas, 87-85, in overtime during their UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball matchup.
What were Reinhard Jumamoy’s statistics?
Jumamoy finished with 19 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals while delivering NU’s game-winning three-pointer.
Who led UST in scoring against NU?
Landyn Jumawan scored 22 points, followed by Mark Llemit with 21 and Amiel Acido with 20 points.
What was NU’s UAAP Season 89 record after defeating UST?
NU improved to 4-2 after defeating UST, recording its second consecutive victory ahead of its FEU matchup.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Inquirer Sports – Inquirer.net.
