National University upsets UP to hand Fighting Maroons first loss

The National University (NU) Bulldogs defeated the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 72-64, in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. NU secured a wire-to-wire victory, fueled by an early 21-4 run in the opening quarter.

Reinhard Jumamoy led the Bulldogs with 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Paul Francisco contributed 11 points and six steals, while Mo Diassana added 10 points and eight rebounds. Despite a late rally from UP, including a four-point play by Miguel Yñiguez that narrowed the deficit to nine points, NU maintained control to hand UP its first loss of the season.

With this win, NU improves to a 2-1 record, joining UP and Ateneo de Manila University in a three-way tie for first place. NU is scheduled to face the Ateneo Blue Eagles next, while UP will play the FEU Tamaraws.