NATIONAL University got back to its winning form after beating Emilio Aguinaldo College, 60-52, on Friday in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan.
Troy Rosario scored a game-high 18 points as the Bulldogs (4-1) recovered from a stunning loss to Centro Escolar University on Wednesday.
Glenn Khobuntin had eight points and 12 rebounds for NU, which occupied second spot behind CEU (5-0) in Group C.
NU needs to beat College of Saint Benilde on May 30 to automatically qualify for a quarterfinals berth.
The Bulldogs won after playing their third straight game in four days, which is a welcome as far as coach Eric Altamirano is concerned.
“We only had one day of rest. But it’s not an excuse. We have to be ready. That is why it’s the preseason. It’s one way of testing our character coming off a loss to CEU,” said Altamirano.
After trailing 12-16 at the end of the first, the Bulldogs outscored the Generals, 14-7, in the third quarter to stay in front for good entering the fourth for a 45-36 lead.
EAC slipped to 2-3 and is out of the running for a quarterfinal seat.
The scores:
NU (60) – Rosario 18, Khobuntin 8, Celda 8, Alolino 6, Alejandro 6, Javelona 6, Atangan 3, Diputado 2, Salim 2, Aroga 1, Neypes 0, Cauilan 0.
EAC (52) – Arquero 16, Jamon 10, Onwubere 9, Santos 6, Morada 6, Serrano 3, Pascual 2, Aguilar 0, King 0, Mejos 0, Paguia 0.
Quarterscores: 12-16; 31-29; 45-36; 60-52.
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