#UAAPLXXIX Day 12: NU Thrash Fighting Maroons, FEU Whips Struggling Tigers

The National University Bulldogs moves to 4-2 after they thrash the UP Fighting Maroons down after an 80-69 ball game. 

The Maroons were off to a good start in the opening quarter, having an early 15-12 lead in the first quarter, though going to the next quarter UP wasn't able to maintain their good run as they struggled to counter the 8-0 run of the Bulldogs to start the second period. NU managed to extend their lead up 35-24, the Bulldogs outperformed UP having a 23-9 output to close the first half. 

In the third period, NU continues to control the tempo of the game, securing their lead and even extending it as high as as 50-37. The Fighting Maroons were able to fight back at the latter part of the quarter to cut the deficit down 46-52. 

UP tried to gain momentum going to the final period, as they started a 7-2 run to cut the advantage of NU down to 2, 57-59. But the Bulldogs were able to stop the streaking UP after taking their own 11-4 run to secure the win on their side. 

Matt Salem led the Bulldogs with 26 points, while Jett Manuel topped the scoring on the side of UP with 21 points.  

NU Bulldogs 80

Salem 26, Diputado 12, Gallego 12, Aroga 7, Alejandro 7, Mosqueda 5, Pate 5, Slaim 4, Morido 2. 

UP Fighting Maroons 69 

Manuel 21, Desiderio 11, Moralde 8, Espanola 5, Webb 4, Lao 4, Prado 4, Vito 3, Longa 3, Jaboneta 2, Asilum 2, Harris2. 

The Far Eastern University Tamaraws repeats their win over their last years' finals nemesis University of Santo Tomas after whipping them 79-72. 

The Tamaraws charged strong early in the game, taking a 13-0 start in the opening period. UST struggled to find their rhythm inside the court as they let FEU took advantage of it, as they were able to take a comfortable 22-14 lead at the end of the first. 

The Growling Tigers were able to finally catch up with FEU in the second period almost tying the game at 21-22, but the Tamaraws were able to stop the bleeding and start another run to extend their lead up 35-25. The first half ended with FEU still in full control of the game with a 42-29 advantage. 

In the third period UST tried to match FEU's shooting, but still it wasn't enough for the Tigers to cut the lead of the Tamaraws as they still trailed behind by 15 points, to end the third 65-50. 

The Tamaraws slowed down in the final period, letting UST cut the 17 point lead that the Tamaraws established early in the fourth down to a 69-75 deficit. Though the breaks of the game still went to the side of FEU as they sealed the game courtesy of charity baskets. 

FEU's hot outside shooting in the game made it difficult for the Tigers to keep the game close, having only 3 out of 13 attempts against 11 out of 24 of the Tamaraws.  

Joe Trinidad breaks out in this game, leading the charge for FEU with 17 points, that is 5 out of 6 in the three point area and with a 56% field goal percentage. Raymar Jose added another double-double 16 points and 10 rebounds. 

On the side of the UST, Louie Vigil had 16 point to lead all scorers, Marvin Lee added 13 points.

FEU Tamaraws 79

Trinidad 17, Jose 16, Monbert Arong 11, Orizu 9, Bayquin 5, Holmqvist 4, Denila 4, Nunag 3, Ebona 3, Roxas 3, Tuffin 3, Comboy 1. 

UST Growling Tigers 72

Vigil 16, Lee 13, Basibas 11, Sheriff 8, Subido 7, Macasaet 6, Faundo 6, Huang 3, Lao 2.