NU Bulldogs’ PJ Palacielo during a UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament game against La Salle Green Archers. –UAAP PHOTO

Eliminated National University ended its UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on a high note with a 63-54 upset of top-seed La Salle on Wednesday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The duo of PJ Palacielo and Jake Figueroa powered the Bulldogs, who ended their campaign with a 5-9 record, past the Green Archers. Palacielo notched 16 points and eight rebounds while Figueroa sank six of his 10 attempts from the field to 14 points.

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“So happy sa mga players talaga na binigay nila yung best nila up to the last so see you next year,” NU coach Jeff Napa said. “Hopefully maging healthy kami talaga next year para at least maging maganda yung magiging performance lahat.”

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball

“Di kami nakapasok ng Final Four ngayon pero nakita ko naman buong season na struggling kami pero sabi nga ng mga coaches namin kaya namin gawan ng paraan, kami din yung nagtulungan sa loob ng court. Nandiyan yung mga coaches namin para i-guide kami sa adjustments,” Palacielo said.

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“Masaya din ako kasi although di kami nakapasok ng Final Four pero yung remaining games namin ngayong second round talagang ginawa namin ng maayos and tinapos namin nang maayos,” he added.

The Bulldogs dictated the pace throughout the match with their defense that forced the defending champions to 22 turnovers, half of which they were able to translate to points.

READ: UAAP: Against all odds, NU determined to finish season strong

With the defense taken care of, NU was also able to orchestrate its offense better than La Salle, which only drained a lone three pointer.

Mike Philips was a silver lining for the Archers with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Raven Gonzales chipped in nine points and rebounds as Henry Agunanne tried to lift La Salle in the final frame before finishing with eight points and 15 rebounds.

Program cornerstone Kevin Quiambao was limited to six points, three out of 17 from the field, as he no longer scored in the second half. This was only La Salle’s second loss in 14 games as it awaits its semifinal partner.