NU frustrates UE for fifth straight win

National University escaped a gritty University of the East, 64-61, for its fifth straight win in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Bulldogs hung tough in the third period to turn back the Red Warriors and hiked their record to 7-1.

For the second time in a row, Kean Baclaan played inspired basketball and top-scored for NU with 18 points and five rebounds, while Jake Figueroa finished with 12 markers.

NU was barely pulling away from UE through the match but managed to hold on to a 50-48 lead in the third period.

However, UE erased the gap and even snatched the lead in the closing period following Rey Remogat’s five straight points to put the Red Warriors on top, 59-55.

Before the Red Warriors could get away with the last laugh, NU inched back into the game after Baclaan’s triple, 62-61, with 2:33 remaining.

From then on, UE entirely missed its shot attempts until Figueroa iced the game from the line, making two of his freebies.

Remogat paced the Red Warriors with an all-around performance of 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists including a 6-of-8 shooting from inside.

Precious Momowei then had a double-double showing of 15 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort.

UE absorbed its fifth straight loss and fell into a 2-6 hole in the standings.

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.

Quarterscores: 20-12, 38-30, 50-48, 64-61