By MARK REY MONTEJO

National University sealed its third-place finish in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup with an 85-77 win over University of Perpetual Help System Dalta on Wednesday, June 21.

Bronze medalist National University. (FilOil EcoOil Sports' photo)

After a huge first quarter that saw the Altas leading 33-23, the Bulldogs gained consciousness and unloaded twin attacks that was highlighted by a 7-0 run before the break which made it a 48-41 count in favor of the Sampaloc-based squad.

In the third quarter, Patrick Yu orchestrated the offense for NU as he scored the last eight points to keep themselves in good distance, 73-57.

The Altas tried to rally in the fourth period after cutting the lead to just six, but the Bulldogs, despite losing steam with shooting poorly in the final minutes, held their ground to take the bronze finish.

The Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa wasn't convinced with the victory but still appreciated the effort of his players.

"Still, we are not contended doon the way that we performed. Sa semifinals ang sama talaga ng laro namin. We tried to redeem ourselves, at least nakabawi kami," Napa said.

Yu powered NU with 16 points, four rebounds and four assists while Ian Manansala added 14.

Jielo Razon and Carlos Ferreras had 12 points apiece for Perpetual in a losing effort.