Saving the day: Jumamoy strikes as Bulldogs cage Tigers

Games today:

(Mall of Asia Arena)

2:30 p.m. — Adamson vs UE

6 p.m. — UP vs La Salle

Reinhard Jumamoy came out to save National University (NU).

Down by one with time winding down, Jumamoy sank the game-winning off-the-board three-pointer as the Bulldogs escaped University of Santo Tomas (UST) in overtime, 87-85, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jumamoy displayed nerves of steel, hitting the trey with 0.5 seconds left and with Mark Llemit all over his face.

“I was thinking that I’ll take the shot. I’ve been practicing that shot,” Jumamoy said.

“Coach is always telling me that I have a thick face so I just took charge,” he added.

The Tigers had one last try to salvage the win.

Amiel Acido had a good look for a top of the key three-pointer, but his shot was erased by Mo Diassana to complete NU’s escape.

Jumamoy led the Bulldogs with 19 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals.

PJ Palacielo added 16 points while Kenshin Padrones ended up with 11 points, four rebounds, and two blocks for NU. Mac Alfanta and Paul Francisco also tallied 10 points each.

“Right from the start of the game, I questioned the team of how hard would they push for this game? It went overtime. So, hats off to my players for giving their all although there’s still a lot of crucial mistakes,” NU head coach Jeff Napa said.

The Bulldogs won back-to-back games to improve to a 4-2 win-loss slate. They will end the first round against Far Eastern University on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Jumamoy displayed great resolve in his shot as it came after his layup got swatted away by Collins Akowe with 5.3 seconds to go. He also tried to win it in regulation but his triple missed its mark.

Landyn Jumawan made two of his three free throws to give UST an 85-84 cushion with 35.3 ticks remaining.

Jumamoy bricked his triple on NU’s next possession. The Bulldogs fouled the right player on the other end as rookie Kirk Cañete missed both of his foul shots that paved the way for the game-winner.

The Bulldogs had a chance to end the game in regulation but they squandered a 77-68 lead with 2:09 left in the fourth period.

UST dropped two consecutive games to slide down to a 2-3 slate solo seventh.

Jumawan led the Tigers with 22 points, six rebounds and four steals.

Mark Llemit added 21 points, nine rebounds, and five assists while Amiel Acido got 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists for UST.

Akowe also had 11 points, eight rebounds, and two steals but was limited to just six shot attempts.