National University fended off University of the East’s late rally, 70-61, to secure at least a playoff for a UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball Final Four spot at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday.
The Red Warriors came within two after a Luis Villegas’ triple at the 3:14 mark of the payoff period but the Bulldogs answered back with seven straight points capped by Steve Nash Enriquez’s three-pointer with 1:31 to go.
PJ Palacielo was instrumental to NU’s response as he scored eight of his 10 points in the last 4:06 of the match. He shot a perfect 5-of-5 from the field in just 8:14 on the floor.
“Hindi na muna namin iniisip ‘yung Final Four. Iniisip namin how we can sustain kung nasaan kaming posisyon,” said Bulldogs coach Jeff Napa. “Coming to whatever next round na mangyayari, kailangan namin talagang mag level up kasi hindi naman pwede na matatapos lang dito sa eliminations.”
John Lloyd Clemente also got 10 points, while Jake Figueroa and John Galinato had nine points apiece. Omar John chimed in eight points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks.
NU upped its record to 8-3, notching its third-straight win, to stay at second with an 8-3 record. Meanwhile, UE sank to seventh with a 4-7 slate.
Gani Stevens led the Red Warriors with 14 points and five rebounds, while Villegas got 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
The Bulldogs will look to clinch a berth in the post-season on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena against University of Santo Tomas at 1 pm. UE meets Adamson University in the next game.
The Scores:
NU 70 – Palacielo 10, Clemente 10, Figueroa 9, Galinato 9, John 8, Malonzo 7, Enriquez 6, Manansala 5, Baclaan 2, Yu 2, Mahinay 2, Minerva 0, Padrones 0.
UE 61 – Stevens 14, Villegas 13, Payawal 12, Pagsanjan 7, N. Paranada 6, K. Paranada 5, Sawat 4, Tulabut 0, Remogat 0, Antiporda 0, Gilbuena 0.
Quarterscores: 16-13, 35-24, 48-39, 70-61.
