THE NATIONAL University (NU) Bulldogs ended the Final Four hopes of the La Salle Green Archers as they used a sizzling fourth period surge to win, 56-40, in the 74th UAAP basketball tournament yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Green Archers’ loss put the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers in the semifinal round to complete the cast. Heading the list is the undefeated Ateneo Blue Eagles followed by Adamson and Far Eastern University (FEU).
NU’s sensational rookie Bobby Ray Parks Jr. scored 25 points, 12 of which came in the decisive final quarter. He also had 9 rebounds and 4 assists.
La Salle took an early three-point lead in the fourth quarter, 39-36, thanks to a lay-up from Maui Villanueva. But Parks tied the game with a three-pointer, igniting a 9-0 NU run that gave them a lead they would not relinquish. Correspondent Jonas Panerio