The Bulldogs, the first to receive the pink slip in the tournament, again played with a superb level of intensity as they notched their third win in 12 games with a 80-59 trashing of the Green Archers, who now slipped to 6-5 although they still hold the fourth spot in the team standing.

The loss ended La Salle head coach Franz Pumaren’s amazing record of not dropping back-to-back games since handling the squad in 1998 as the Archers fell to UP in their previous outing, 70-80.

Ronnie Cajayon, Rey Mendoza and Froilan Baguio stood at the forefront of the Bulldogs attack, scoring 51 points among themselves as National U completed the victory 3 days after humiliating the Eagles.

Playing without pressure, the Bulldogs were berserk in the second half, especially Renaldo Mendoza who made 12 baskets during the game-breaking run. He posted a double-double with19 points and 19 rebounds. However, playing without its old fire and grit, La Salle trailed most of the way.

The Bulldogs improved their standings to 3-9 while the Archers slipped to 6-5 after losing their second straight game. They lost to another unheralded team, UP, in their last outing.

De La Salle, however, remained in contention for the semifinal round.

The Scores:

NU 80 -- Cajayon 20, Mendoza 19, Baguion 12, Miclat 8, Tolentino 5, Balijon 5, Malcontento
                   4, Catamora 4, Mollena 0.
      LA SALLE 59 -- Casio 14, Gaco 11, Cardona 7, Sharma 8, Yeo 6, Benitez 5, Arana 4,
                           Gatchalian 2, Cabatu 0, Ramos 0, Tang 0.
      Quarters: 18-20, 39-35, 60-46, 80-59