By Jun Ray Navarres
National University thwarted University of the East’s third quarter comeback to extend their win streak to five, 64-61, in UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball, Wednesday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena.
NU was able to establish a 29-15 lead early in the second period but was overwhelmed by Rey Remogat’s third quarter aggressiveness. Remogat trimmed the lead of NU to 38-37, sending the game on a roller coaster ride.
The Red Warriors finally got a taste of the lead after four minutes of action in the last stanza, 56-55 and Remogat’s and-one basket extended it to a 59-55 cushion.
However, the dim light in front of UE eclipsed as they went scoreless for three minutes and 27 seconds of the game.
On the other hand, Kean Baclaan went clutch for the Bulldogs, sinking five straight points to regain the lead from the Red Warriors, 62-61.
“Win is a win. No’ng huli, medyo nafufrustrate na ako kasi ang dami ng down sa team naming, eh. Para sa akin kailangan naming bawiin ‘yong sarili namin kasi malaking battle ‘yong haharapin namin sa Sabado (against De La Salle University),” said Baclaan at the post-game interview.
Jake Figueroa nailed the coffin with his trips to the charity line for the 64-61 win against the struggling UE.
Baclaan finished with 18 points and five rebounds, while Figueroa added 12 points.
Six-foot two inches Mike Malonzo provided the necessary boards for NU with 13 rebounds despite battling against Nigerian center Precious Momowei of UE.
“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 escape was NU’s fifth straight win for a 7-1 record while UE continued their slump of five-game losing streak, dropping to 2-6.
Noy Remogat led UE Warriors with 18 points, eight steals, seven rebounds, and seven assists in 35 minutes and 46 seconds.
Nigerian center Precious Momowei added 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Featured photo courtesy of UAAP
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