NATIONAL University extended its winning run to five games after surviving the challenge from struggling University of the East, 64-61, in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Wednesday.
Kean Baclaan was clutch for the Bulldogs as he drained back-to-back shots, a layup and a three-pointer, to make a 57-61 deficit to a 62-61 lead with 2:30 left.
Red Warriors Ethan Galang and Precious Momowei missed their chances late as Jake Figueroa put the insurance free throws with 5.3 seconds left.
Without a timeout left, UE ran the length of the court but failed to take a shot before the time expired. The Red Warriors failed to score a point in the final three minutes and 27 seconds of the game.
“Kailangan siguro namin pagdaanan itong challenge na ito against UE para mastrengthen yung kailangan naming gawin pa sa obstacle na papasukin namin coming to second round. It’s a hard-fought win, at least good comeback,” said NU Head Coach Jeff Napa.
The Bulldogs took the provisional hold of top spot at 7-1, half a game ahead of University of the Philippines, which still has a game later in the day against Adamson University.
Second-year guard Baclaan had 18 points and five rebounds while Figueroa made 12 points.
“Win is a win. Nu’ng huli, medyo nafu-frustrate na ako kasi ang dami ng down sa team namin eh. Para sa akin kailangan naming bawiin ‘yung sarili namin kasi malaking battle ‘yung haharapin namin sa Sabado. Nakita ko nga si Evan Nelle nanonood tinapos niya ‘yung laro,” said Baclaan as teammates Rein Jumamoy, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Jolo Manansala all left the court early due to different injuries.
The Red Warriors, on the other hand, saw their losing skid stretched to five games for a 2-6 record at seventh.
Noy Remogat delivered an all-around game of 18 points, eight steals, seven rebounds, and seven assists in 35 minutes and 46 seconds.
Nigerian center Precious Momowei, who leads the Rookie of the Year race, also contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Both teams will be back on Saturday with UE facing University of Santo Tomas at 2 p.m. and NU meeting De La Salle University at 4 p.m.
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
Games Saturday
(SM Mall of Asia Arena)
2 p.m. – UE vs UST (Men)
4 p.m. – NU vs DLSU (Men)
(AdU Gym)
2 p.m. – UP vs AdU (Women)
4 p.m. – NU vs FEU (Women)
