SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – The NU Bulldogs overcame a gritty challenge by the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 58-54, to extend their winning streak to three games and grab the solo lead in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, October 15.
Veteran gunner John Lloyd Clemente was the lone player to finish in double-digits for NU in the low-scoring affair with a game-high 14 points on 50% shooting, while rookie sensation Kean Baclaan delivered another all-around performance of 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals.
With the win, the Bulldogs moved up to 4-1 and broke a three-way tie at the No. 1 spot with the UP Fighting Maroons and the Ateneo Blue Eagles, who will face each other on Sunday, October 16 in the rematch of the Season 84 finals.
“At least we escaped [with] this win. We really know Adamson is a very strong team also,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa.
“Luckily we got the win, [but] still we’re not satisfied with how we performed because we were outrebounded,” added Napa as the Bulldogs grabbed only 40 rebounds compared to the Soaring Falcons’ 48.
After a tight battle in the first three quarters where neither team led by double figures, NU created a 10-point separation over Adamson early in the payoff period, 50-40, off a long bomb by Baclaan.
The Soaring Falcons, however, came roaring back and responded with a 9-1 run, capped by a Lenda Douanga layup with under 4 minutes left in the game to cut the lead down to just 2, 49-51.
With NU still on the driver’s seat in the dying seconds of the ball game, 57-51, Jerom Lastimosa gave Adamson some signs of life as he converted on a booming triple to pull the Soaring Falcons within a single possession, 54-57.
Unfortunately for Adamson, Jake Figueroa sealed the win for NU in the next possession with a free throw.
Cedrick Manzano paced Adamson in the loss with 12 points and 8 rebounds, while Lastimosa added 11 markers, 3 boards, 6 assists, along with 8 turnovers.
NU looks to push further its winning streak to four games when it tangles with the La Salle Green Archers on Wednesday, October 21 at 11 am, while Adamson – which slipped to 2-3 – hopes for a bounce-back win against Ateneo on the same day at 1 pm.
The Scores
NU 58 – Clemente 14, Baclaan 8, Malonzo 7, Figueroa 7, Enriquez 7, Yu 7, Manansala 2, Tibayan 2, John 2, Galinato 2, Padrones 0, Mahinay 0, Minerva 0, Palacielo 0.
Adamson 54 – Manzano 12, Lastimosa 11, Douanga 9, Yerro 7, Colonia 4, Hanapi 4, Jaymalin 3, V. Magbuhos 2, Torres 2, W. Magbuhos 0, Barcelona 0, Fuentebella 0, Flowers 0.
Quarters: 11-11, 28-25, 41-35, 58-54.
– Rappler.com
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