SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – The NU Bulldogs showed composure in the clutch to start the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball second round with a 64-61 escape of the reeling UE Red Warriors at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, October 25.
Facing a 4-point deficit in the fourth quarter after a late UE run, 57-61, NU star guard Kean Baclaan took matters into his own hands in the clutch with a personal 5-0 spurt, capped by a go-ahead three at the 2:29 mark for a 62-61 lead that the Red Warriors ultimately failed to seize back to their side.
Big man Precious Momowei had a good look in the final 10 seconds of regulation, but his turnaround jumper merely rolled around the rim and out, straight to the hands of a waiting Jake Figueroa, who eventually sank the insurance free throws with 5.3 ticks left to set the final score.
UE still had a decent window to force overtime, but Abdul Sawat met swarming NU defense at the arc after a Noy Remogat pass and failed to get a shot off in time.
“It was a hard-fought win but at least a good comeback,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa in Filipino. “I give credit to the players. Despite being down 4 points in the last one minute, they didn’t let up.”
Baclaan led the way with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in NU’s fifth straight win to clinch a momentary hold at first place with a 7-1 record, ahead of 6-1 University of the Philippines.
Remogat, UE’s lone star, saw a near quadruple-double line go to waste, as he finished with 18 points, a whopping 8 steals, 7 boards, and 7 dimes in the loss that sent the Red Warriors to their fifth straight setback and a 2-6 slate.
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.
Quarters: 20-12, 38-30, 50-48, 64-61.
– Rappler.com
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