National U Bulldogs Secure Final Four Spot with Dominant Victory

In a decisive performance, National University (NU) triumphed over the University of the East (UE) with a 91-74 victory, ensuring their place in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament. The thrilling encounter took place on November 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the Bulldogs showcased their strength with a powerful finish.

NU's impressive win came as they executed a phenomenal 23-8 run to surge ahead from a tight two-point lead. With this victory, the Bulldogs improved their record to 9-3, securing a semifinal position for the second consecutive season, and they still have two games remaining in the elimination round.

In another significant match, Far Eastern University (FEU) outplayed the University of the Philippines (UP), winning 71-68 and claiming third place with a 7-5 record. This match disrupted UP’s quest for an outright twice-to-beat advantage, ending their seven-game winning streak. FEU had previously defeated UP in their first meeting of the season, which ended 90-79 in favor of the Tamaraws.

Despite the substantial margin of victory against UE, NU’s head coach, Jeff Napa, expressed dissatisfaction. He criticized the Bulldogs’ performance over the first three quarters, stating that they had allowed the Red Warriors to stay competitive until the latter stages of the game. Napa conveyed his concerns about the team's readiness for the challenge ahead as they approach the critical phases of the tournament.

Reporting by Jeff Malate for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.