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MANILA, Philippines — Rookie big man Alfred Aroga completed a three-point play in the waning seconds of the game to propel National University to a thrilling 69-67 victory over gritty Letran and enter the semifinals of the 2013 FilOil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Wednesday, June 5, at the Arena in San Juan.
Reigning UAAP MVP Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. tallied 16 points to lead the Bulldogs while heady playmaker Gelo Alolino and Jeth Rosario chipped in 13 and 12 markers, respectively.
NU took a 6-point lead going into the third quarter, 43-37 after trailing Letran by as much as 6 points in the first half.
The Knights dropped a telling 12-2 blitz closing the third behind the of Mark Cruz and Raymund Almazan to seize the lead, 58-56 going into the final canto.
“We really needed to play our best in this game,” said NU head coach Eric Altamirano. “I also thought Letran really played well today. They were more relaxed than us.”
The Knights gave NU a huge scare in the endgame as rookie Rey Nambatac buried a cold-blooded triple with 1:17 left in the payoff period to shove the Knights ahead, 67-65.
Final dagger
It was then the hulking Cameroonian Aroga decided to take matters into his own hands.
The 6-foot-7 Aroga scored from point-blank range off a pass from JJ Alejandro and converted the bonus free throw to give the Bulldogs the lead, 68-67.
Nambatac missed a trey in the ensuing play, paving the way for an Alolino free throw that sealed the win with only 4.6. ticks remaining.
The Intramuros-based cagers had one last chance to steal the game but Ford Ruaya’s desperation trey was blocked by Rosario.
“I like the poise of the team,” added Altamirano.
Cruz paced the Knights with his 16 points while Nambatac and Almazan had 11 and 10, respectively.
In the second game, San Beda essayed a brilliant fourth quarter fightback to bring down De La Salle University, 66-63, and complete the semifinals cast.
With the Red Lions trailing by 10 late in the game, Baser Amer led a San Beda rally by scoring 6 straight points in a back-breaking 13-0 run that allowed the Mendiola five to be the only NCAA team in the Final Four.
Arthur dela Cruz paced the Lions with 14 points and 10 boards while Rome dela Rosa had 12 for the reigning NCAA kings. – Rappler.com
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