NATIONAL University extended its league-best win streak to five with a great escape against University of the east, 64-61, in he UAAP Season 86 men's basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
Kean Baclaan continues to lead the Bulldogs from the front with 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
The Warriors' losing streak, meanwhile, is now up to five as they dropped to 2-6.
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“Kailangan siguro naming pagdaanan ‘yung challenge na ‘to against UE para rin ma-strengthen ‘yung kailangan naming gawin (versus UE) sa papasukin namin ngayong second round,” said head coach Jeff Napa as NU seizes its fifth straight win.
“It was a hard-fought win and at least a good comeback. I give credit sa mga players pa rin kasi despite being down four points sa last minute, hindi sila nag-let-up. They made three crucial stops para ma-regain ‘yung momentum namin,” he added.
Just as the Bulldogs firmly had the win in their hands with a 14-point edge, UE rallied back through Rey Remogat’s hot hands to take a four-point lead in the final minute of play.
But five crucial stops, including a last-second miss by Precious Momowei from close range, ripped the Warriors’ fightback to shreds in the end.
The second-year Recto rookie recorded a near quadruple-double of 18 points, eight steals, seven boards, and seven assists to pace the defeat.
The scores:
NU (64) – Baclaan 18, Figueroa 12, Yu 9, Palacielo 7, Enriquez 5, Malonzo 4, Lim 3, Manansala 2, John 2, Casinillo 1, Parks 1, Delos Reyes 0, Gulapa 0, Jumamoy 0.
UE (61) – Remogat 18, Momowei 15, Sawat 8, Cruz-Dumont 7, Lingolingo 3, Galang 3, Alcantara 3, Maglupay 2, Tulabut 2, Fikes 0, Spandonis 0, Gilbuena 0, Langit 0.
Quarterscores: 20-12, 38-30, 50-48, 64-61.
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