MANILA, Philippines — November 15, 2026 — National University secured a place in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball Final Four after defeating the University of the East, 91–74, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday. The Bulldogs pulled away in the final period, turning a narrow two-point advantage after three quarters into a 17-point victory.
The result confirmed NU’s place in the semifinals, but the game also exposed a challenge the team must address before the postseason: maintaining control when opponents refuse to go away. The Bulldogs finished strongly, yet UE remained within reach for much of the contest.
For NU, qualification is an important milestone. The next task is making sure the performance that earned the berth is not mistaken for the level of consistency required to contend for the championship.
NU Bulldogs turn a close contest into a decisive finish
The game was far from a comfortable afternoon for NU. The Bulldogs held a 26–22 lead after the opening quarter and went into halftime ahead, 50–46.
UE continued to compete after the break. The Red Warriors scored 20 points in the third period, trimming the margin to two, 68–66, before the final quarter began.
That narrow gap made the fourth quarter decisive. NU scored 23 points while limiting UE to eight, creating the separation that settled the game.
The final score may suggest a one-sided result, but the quarter-by-quarter figures tell a more complicated story. NU had to withstand sustained pressure before it could establish control.
Garcia, Jumamoy and Palacielo deliver across the box score
T. Garcia led NU with 20 points and seven assists, converting nine of his 10 field-goal attempts. His efficiency gave the Bulldogs a dependable scoring option while also helping create opportunities for teammates.
Reinhard Jumamoy supplied 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. PJ Palacielo added 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, giving NU another contributor who affected the game beyond scoring.
Mo Diassana finished with nine points, seven rebounds and four blocks. His defensive production helped NU protect the basket as the game moved into its closing stretch.
The team numbers also show where NU gained separation. The Bulldogs shot 51.4% from the field, compared with UE’s 37.3%, and collected 45 rebounds against the Red Warriors’ 40. NU also recorded 23 assists, nine more than UE.
Those figures point to a balanced performance rather than a result built around one scorer. NU generated efficient shooting, shared the ball and had several players contribute in different areas.
UE made NU work for its semifinal place
The Red Warriors did not disappear after falling behind early. Their 46 first-half points kept the contest competitive, and their 20-point third quarter brought them within a single possession of the lead.
T. Lagat paced UE with 21 points and six rebounds. Drew Jimenez and Mo Tanedo also contributed to the Red Warriors’ scoring effort, but the team could not sustain its offensive output in the final period.
UE managed only eight points in the fourth quarter. That drop-off was costly against an NU side that found its rhythm at the other end.
The result is a reminder that a team’s record does not always explain how difficult a matchup can become. UE entered the game with a difficult season behind it, but its ability to stay close for three quarters forced NU to finish the job.
WWC previously covered UST’s 97–70 win over UE, another game that showed the challenges facing the Red Warriors against teams competing for postseason places.
Final Four qualification is only the first objective
Reaching the semifinals gives NU a chance to compete for the UAAP title, but qualification alone does not settle its postseason position or guarantee a championship advantage.
The distinction matters. A Final Four berth confirms that a team has advanced beyond the elimination round; seeding and any twice-to-beat advantage depend on the final standings and applicable league rules.
NU must therefore keep its attention on the remaining schedule and the quality of its performances. Its win over UE demonstrated that the Bulldogs can close out a game with a strong scoring run. The earlier quarters, however, showed that they can still be drawn into a close contest.
The postseason usually leaves less room to recover from extended lapses. A team that gives an opponent repeated chances to stay close may find it harder to escape against a stronger semifinal rival.
The Bulldogs’ earlier victory over La Salle, covered in WWC’s report on the Green Archers’ overtime battle with UE, is another reminder of how demanding the second round has been for teams chasing playoff position.
The wider UAAP race remains important
NU’s qualification is part of a broader contest involving the league’s established programmes. The University of the Philippines had already secured a semifinal place, while Far Eastern University’s 71–68 win over UP on Saturday strengthened FEU’s position in the standings.
That result also showed why the remaining games matter: teams are still competing for better positioning even after securing or approaching qualification.
The race has been closely followed by fans because each result can affect the matchups that await in the Final Four. WWC’s earlier coverage of UP’s meeting with UE provides further context on how the Red Warriors have tested teams at different points in the season.
For NU, the immediate priority is to carry its fourth-quarter execution into the next assignment while reducing the stretches in which opponents can dictate the pace.
What happens next
NU moves into the Final Four with its semifinal place secured. Its remaining elimination-round games still matter for its final standing and potential matchup, so the Bulldogs cannot treat qualification as the end of their work.
The coaching staff will also have reason to review the first three quarters against UE. The closing run was effective, but relying on a late surge is a risky approach against teams with stronger postseason credentials.
The Bulldogs have earned their place in the semifinals. Whether they can turn that qualification into a title challenge will depend on how consistently they play when the pressure rises.
Frequently asked questions
Did NU qualify for the UAAP Season 89 Final Four?
Yes. National University secured a semifinal berth after beating the University of the East, 91–74, on November 14, 2026.
What was the final score of NU vs UE?
NU defeated UE, 91–74, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Who led NU against UE?
T. Garcia led NU with 20 points and seven assists. Reinhard Jumamoy recorded 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while PJ Palacielo had 13 points and 10 rebounds.
How did NU pull away from UE?
NU entered the fourth quarter with a 68–66 lead, then outscored UE 23–8 in the final period.
Does NU’s win guarantee a twice-to-beat advantage?
No. The win secured NU’s Final Four place, but final seeding and any twice-to-beat advantage depend on the completed elimination-round standings and league rules.
