
By NIKOLE JAVIER
National University recovered just in time to slip past De La Salle, 80-76, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Steve Nash Enriquez tallied 16 points on 4-of-7 shooting from deep. John Lloyd Clemente registered a double-double outing of 16 points on top of 10 boards while Omar John posted 15 points including 12 rebounds for the Bulldogs who improved to a 5-1 record.
The Bulldogs, who fought back after trailing much of the middle quarters, put up an assault in the fourth to snatch away the victory.
The Green Archers, who missed Schonny Winston in the crucial stretch after being fouled out at the six-minute mark of the fourth period, let go of the chance to extend their winning record over the Bulldogs who have been eyeing to end the misery over the Taft-based squad since Oct. 2015.
With less than a minute to spare, Kevin Quiambao, who hit a much-needed triple to pull the Green Archers within three, 76-79, missed another attempt at the corner before Clemente iced the game at the foul line.
"Syempre sign of relief na nakahinga rin ako. It was a great game. We were down third quarter. We to change our momentum, kumbaga para mapunta sa amin 'yong way," said NU head coach Jeff Napa.
La Salle, which fell into an even record of 3-3 at the fifth spot, was paced by Quiambao with 16 points apart from five rebounds.
The Scores:
NU 80 -- Clemente 16, Enriquez 16, John 15, Figueroa 12, Malonzo 6, Baclaan 5, Yu 4, Galinato 2, Manansala 2, Mahinay 2, Minerva 0, Tibayan 0, Palacielo 0, Tulabut 0, Padrones 0.
LA SALLE 76 -- Quiambao 15, M. Phillips 15, Nelle 14, Winston 12, Abadam 7, Nwankwo 4, Manuel 3, Estacio 3, Cortez 2, B. Phillips 1, Escandor 0.
Quarters: 23-17, 40-41, 61-63, 80-76.