The Bulldogs got a good start to down the early game with a 5-0 run but that did not last as Cyrus Austria released an open three at the 7:21 minutes mark which set the Taft-squad to seize the first quarter with a 19-16 lead.

The Green Archers open the second frame by trying to extend their lead but the Bulldogs retaliated as the NU squad ended the first half with the lead, 29-30.

The domination of the Bulldogs continued as Michael Malonzo pushed a two under the basket followed by John Figueroa’s jumper 29-37,  but Evan Nelle squared up a three to tie the score 37-37 helping Nonoy on the court who registered 13 points. Both teams went for a score-for-score game and finished the third quarter with one point difference, 42-43.

Nonoy showed no fear to push a reload of two and rolled down after a 44-45 score followed by a steal from the Archers only to give another three from Nonoy to get the lead, 47-45 as big man Justine Baltazar went berserk to give two consecutive shots, 53-49.

With only 3:30 minutes left, Nonoy marked another ringless three to secure the win for La Salle, 56-49, which was ended by Baltazar with a foul, 59-55.

La Salle will face Far Eastern University (FEU) on Thursday while NU will go against the University of the Philippines (UP).

The Scores: 

LA SALLE 59 – Nonoy 13, Baltazar 13, Austria 10, Lojera 7, Manuel 6, Nelle 5, M. Phillips 3, Winston 2, Nwankwo 0, B. Phillips 0, Cuajao 0, Cortez 0, Macalalag 0. 

NU 55 – Malonzo 10, Joson 9, Figueroa 9, Clemente 9, Mahinay 6, Enriquez 4, Tibayan 4, Gaye 2, Felicilda 2, Galinato 0, Ildefonso 0, Torres 0, Yu 0, Manansala 0, Minerva 0. 

Quarters: 19-16, 29-30, 42-43, 59-55.