National University racked up its second win in as many games in Group A of the 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup after romping University of the East, 79-64, Sunday in San Juan.
With the win, the Bulldogs knotted Adamson University at solo second in the pool, half a game behind leader University of the Philippines.
“At least, onti-onti nakukuha na nila kung ano ‘yung gusto namin mangyari as coaches,” said Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa. “Pero ‘yung nga a long way to go, still work in progress pa rin talaga.”
Leading 49-47 with 3:01 left in the third period, the Bulldogs extended this advantage to 13, with 8:50 remaining in the game off a 13-2 run. LA Casinillo scored eight of those 13 points including two triples.
The lead grew to its biggest at 15, 74-59, off a close-range jumper by RJ Minerva with just three minutes left in the game.
John Lloyd Clemente starred for NU with 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
Omar John registered a double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and one assist while LA Casinillo produced 11 points. Steve Nash Enriquez, meanwhile, added nine points, seven assists, and six rebounds.
Abdul Sawat was the lone double-digit scorer for the Red Warriors with 13 points, five rebounds, and one assist.
The Red Warriors fell to 0-3.
NU will next face Adamson University on Friday, August 5 at 5 p.m., while UE will stop its losing skid against Arellano University on Wednesday August 3 at 11 a.m.
The Scores:
NU 79 — Clemente 16, John 12, Casinillo 11, Enriquez 9, Padrones 9, Galinato 8, Malonzo 5, Minerva 4, Mahinay 2, Yu 2, Gulapa 1, Tibayan 0, Manansala 0, Antalan 0
UE 64 — Sawat 13, Antiporda 9, Paranada K 8, Payawal 8, Lorenzana 8, Pagsanjan 7, Paranada N 6, Beltran 5, Abatayo 0, Tulabut 0, de Leon 0, Guevarra 0, Cruz 0, Chan 0, Tomas 0
Quarterscores: 21-14, 38-34, 60-49, 79-64
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The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page
