The National University Bulldogs found a way to turn things around and veteran big man John Lloyd Clemente was there at the right spots to make it happen on Wednesday in the 85th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
After enduring the La Salle Green Archers’ repeated comebacks, the 6’3” Clemente fished a foul off Kevin Quiambao, with his free throw at the three-second mark pushing the Bulldogs to their fourth consecutive triumph, 80-76.
It was the Bulldogs’ first win over the Archers since October 28, 2015 during their second-round encounter in Season 78. La Salle won the next 10 matchups.
The 24-year-old Clemente went on to tally a game-high 16 points, with Steve Nash Enriquez and their efforts powered the Bulldogs to the top of the standings with their 5-1 win-loss record.
“Sinabi ko sa kanila that we find ways para mapunta sa amin ang situation,” said Bulldogs’ coach Jeff Napa.
The Bulldogs were comfortably ahead by eight, 79-71, in the last 2:20 off Omar John’s basket.
But Evan Nelle’s passes to Michael Philips and Kevin Quiambao allowed La Salle to move within range on the former’s hookshot and the latter’s triple, 76-79.
The Green Archers continued to press on. But Quiambao bungled two three-point attempts, with the last one missing its mark with five seconds remaining.
Quiambao and Philips finished with 15 points apiece for La Salle, which is now in fifth at 3-3.
La Salle last grabbed the lead, 63-61, at the end of the period off Earl Abadam’s hook shot.
Meanwhile, Bryson Ballungay knocked in a career-high 21 points for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in their 76-55 smashing of the Adamson Falcons, for their fourth triumph in six games.
Dave Ildfefonso added 15 points for the Blue Eagles, who coasted to their sixth straight triumph over Adamson.
The Blue Eagles, who are in third position, enjoyed a 23-point edge off Ballungay’s jumper in the remaining 3:49, 72-49.