NATIONAL University reigned supreme in the PG Flex Linoleum UCBL Pre-Season tournament after beating University of Perpetual Help, 73-64, in the final on Monday at the SGS Gym in Quezon City.
Michael John Malonzo and John Lloyd Clemente took turns in leading the way for the Bulldogs, who launched a backbreaking 13-2 run to start off the second quarter and took full control of the game.
Malonzo dropped six in that run to finish with 18 points apart from posting six rebounds while Clemente added 16 points powered by two three-pointers as NU built the largest lead at 18 points, 58-36, halfway through the third frame.
The Altas managed to trim the deficit to 12 points, 60-48, heading into the final frame, but that was the closest Perpetual could get as NU simply had every answer to their baskets to win the tournament undefeated.
Swarming defense
NU’s swarming defense was also in full display as no player from the side of the Altas breached double figures with their three leading scorers - Jielo Razon, Marcus Nitura and Carlo Ferreras - limited to nine points each.
Meanwhile, Centro Escolar University downed Adamson University, 71-63 in the battle for third.
The Scorpions ambushed the Falcons with a blazing 13-0 blast to open the fourth quarter turning a 52-49 deficit into a double-digit advantage, 62-52. Adamson never recovered from there as CEU even enjoyed a 13-point cushion inside the final four minutes of the game.
Ayodeji Balogun towered over the opposition with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds while Ron Rei Tolentino and Anthony Borromeo with 14 points each.
Olivarez College also ended the tournament on a winning note, coming back from a nine-point hole in the final frame to beat Philippine Christian University – Dasmarinas, 94-91.
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