Francisco catches fire in OT as Bulldogs fend off Blue Eagles

MANILA, Philippines — Paul Francisco waxed hot in overtime, scoring all 10 of National University's points in the extra period to tow the Bulldogs past the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 71-66, in their UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball clash Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

NU thus finished the first round of the eliminations with a 6-1 win-loss record, good for solo first for now. Ateneo dropped to 4-3 with their third straight defeat.

Francisco, who finished the game 13 points, missed what could have been the game-winner in regulation.

But he atoned for it in the overtime period as he carried NU to the win.

The Bulldogs led by as much as 18 points early, but it was erased by Ateneo slowly.

NU went ahead by seven points in the fourth, 53-46, after an and-one play by Omar John.

But Ateneo was able to tie things up at 55-all with a 9-2 run capped by a 3-pointer by Jaden Lazo.

After both teams traded baskets, a John deuce gave NU a 61-58 advantage within the final minute.

But Shawn Tuano brought the game to overtime after a triple with 8.3 seconds left in regulation.

Come the overtime period, Francisco started things off with a 3-pointer, but Lazo answered back with a three of his own.

But a split from the line by Francisco, followed by back-to-back 3-pointers from the NU guard, gave the Bulldogs a 71-66 cushion with 38.1 seconds to go.

The Sampaloc-based squad missed costly free throws down the stretch, but Ateneo could not capitalize as NU held on.

Jake Figueroa flirted with a triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks for the Bulldogs. Steve Nash Enriquez chipped in 12 markers while John tallied 11 points and nine rebounds.

Lazo powered Ateneo, which played without main floor general Jared Bahay, with 17 markers, three dimes and two boards. Tuano contributed 15 points, while Dom Escobar added 14 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and five steals.

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