Rike shines as Bulldogs whip Warriors

TROY RIKE powered National University (NU) to a 79-71 win over University of the East (UE) in Season 81 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Rike’s endgame heroics concluded a one-and-done season for the Bulldogs as he notched a career-high 17 points built on

on top of 13 rebounds, an assist and a steal against a turnover in 24 minutes of play.

“It’s great to end the season with a win,” said Rike, who carried the alsoran NU to a 4-10 record.

“Obviously, the whole team and myself—we wish we had a better season than what we did. But we have a lot of young guys, unfortunately I will not be part of it, but going forward I know this will be strong team,” he added.

with 12 points, eight blocks and six boards while brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso added nine markers apiece on top of a combined 13 rebounds.

Graduating cagers Matthew Aquino, Dave Wilson Yu and Rev Diputado

game for the Sampaloc-based team.

Rike exploded with 10 points in the second quarter to give the Bulldogs a 44-32 lead at the half.

The Red Warriors fought back as Chris Conner and Philip Manalang drained a triple each to spark a 12-4 surge, 44-49,

But NU responded with a 9- 0 blast highlighted by Rike’s threepoint play resulting in the Bulldogs’

Alvin Pasaol had a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds while Conner had 19 markers and 13 boards but those were not enough to save the day for UE. The Red Warriors’ 1-13 slate was their worst record since joining the league in 1952.

Pasaol, who distinguished himself as the league’s top scoring local player since

season, is unsure if he would return to collegiate hoops as the Philippine Basketball Association draft looms.

“I’m still thinking about it (turning pro),” said Pasaol. “What happened to us this season was a roller-coaster. We didn’t want this and we have no regrets because we fought until the end.” Clemente 2, Tibayan 2, Morido 0, Joson 0, Malonzo 0.

Pasaol 20, Conner 19, Acuno 11, Varilla 10, Manalang 7, Bartolome 2, Guion 2, Cullar 0, Maloles 0, Gallardo 0, Strait 0.