The National University Bulldogs masterfully reversed the ballgame after being down big
early to pull away from the SWU Cobras, 83-68 in the last game of the third match day of
the PCCL Elite 8.
SWU blasted off to a 12-4 start in the first four minutes to dictate the tempo early on. The Cobras were clicking on all cylinders as they romped the UAAP champs early with 33 points in the opening period, including a flurry of three pointers. CESAFI MVP Mac Tallo paced the Cobras with 15 points in the first ten minutes with four treys of his own.
The Bulldogs began to make noise during the second period with an 8-0 run to start the quarter. The Bulldogs’ defensive intensity was on display, forcing the Cobras to settle for perimeter shots. NU ended up outscoring its counterpart 17-3 in the second canto. SWU did not score a single field goal during the period; the Cobras’ three dismal points all came from the foul stripe.
NU continued pounding on the Cobras as they managed to taste the lead at the 1:45 mark of the third via an inside basket by Jeth Rosario to make it 54-52. Entering the fourth, both teams were deadlocked at 56.
The fourth quarter spelled the difference as Gelo Alolino booked in three straight triples that put away the Cobras for good. The trademark defense of the UAAP squad helped halt any chances of a Cobra run.
The Bulldogs improve to 1-1, bouncing back after yesterday’s loss to UV while SWU drops to 0-3.
The Scores:
NU (83) – Khobuntin 17, Rosario 13, Alolino 13, Perez 12, Aroga 10, Diputado 7, Javelona 6,
Salim 3, Neypes 2, Alejandro 0, Yu 0, Betayene 0.
SWU (68) – Tallo 21, Sanjo 16, Goloran 11, J.R. Parker 10, Valdor 4, Holper 3, Luz 3,
Mohammed 0, Bregondo 0, Pardo 0, Racho 0, Labitad 0.
