National University (NU) flexed its might in its UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball opener.

The Bulldogs of Jeff Napa opened their campaign on a winning note after they dominated University of the East (UE), 72-57, in their bout at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in España.

NU senior Jake Figueroa led his squad with 16 points, six rebounds, five steals, and three assists.

Paul Francisco was solid with 12 markers on 2-of-3 shooting from three, while Kenshin Padrones posted a 10-point, nine-rebound game.

Napa welcomed their opening day with high regard, as in Season 87, the Bulldogs immediately lost their foreign student-athlete right in that contest due to injury.

Only a five-point game at halftime with the Jhocson-based cagers leading 39-34, Napa’s men shifted to higher gears in the third canto by going on a 9-0 charge for a 48-34 lead.

The Bulldogs’ defense left the Red Warriors without a field goal until the 4:55 mark of the same frame when John Abata made a three-pointer, but NU held on with their lead until the game progressed, even leading by as much as 23 in the fourth, 68-45.

However, while Napa hailed the Bulldogs for their shift in focus in the second half, he maintained that they still need to clean up their mishaps to maintain this level of play.

On the other hand, Precious Momowei paced UE with 12 markers, 16 boards, three dimes, two steals, and a block, while Abate followed with 10 points, two rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. (ABS-CBN News)

NU 72 — Figueroa 16, Francisco 12, Padrones 10, John 8, Santiago 8, Palacielo 6, Jumamoy 4, Manansala 3, Enriquez 3, Garcia 2, Dela Cruz 0, Parks 0, Solomon 0, Tulabut 0, Reyes 0.

UE 57 — Momowei 12, Abate 10, Tañedo 8, Dumont 5, Datumalim 5, Caoile 4, Lagat 4, Lingolingo 4, Jimenez 4, Rosete 1, Robles 0, Mulingtapang 0, Cabero 0, Malaga 0, Despi 0.

Quarterscores: 24-20, 39-34, 59-45, 72-57.