NU players celebrate at the buzzer, following their victory over FEU on Sunday night. (FCF / Ericka Alcantara)

Frontline combo of Parks and Mbe combine for 52 points in historic victory

Bobby Ray Parks nailed a dagger three-point shot with 31.4 ticks on the game clock, which sealed the deal in National University’s 84-81 victory over Far Eastern University to end the 2nd round of eliminations in the 75th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball wars at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.

Parks, who is the reigning seniors basketball MVP, led the way with 27 points on 3-for-7 shooting from three-point range. Emmanuel Mbe added 25 points and 13 rebounds, as the frontline combo made up for more than half of the Bulldogs’ total in the match.

In effect, National University claims their first Final Four berth since 2001 and will face University of Santo Tomas in their half of the bracket.

Due to this loss, Far Eastern University has to face De La Salle University on Wednesday for the third and final time to dispute the last Final Four spot and the right to face Ateneo de Manila University. Had they won this all-important match, they would have faced University of Santo Tomas for the second twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four.

Despite building a six point lead early in overtime, the Bulldogs fought back in the late in the game with an 9-2 surge that effectively put the game away.

Terrence Romeo finished with 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals. RR Garcia turned 13 points and 8 rebounds in a losing effort.

BOX SCORES
NATIONAL (84): Parks 27, Mbe 25, Neypes 7, Alolino 7, Javillonar 6, De Guzman 5, Betayene 5, Singh 2, Villamor 0, Rono 0, Khobuntin 0
FAR EASTERN (81): Romeo 25, Garcia 13, Tolomia 10, Hargrove 7, Pogoy 6, Mendoza 5, Escoto 5, Belo 4, Foronda 3, Bringas 3, Cruz 0
QUARTERS: 23-20, 37-42, 60-55, 73-73, 84-81 (OT)