NATIONAL University (NU) scored a come-from-behind 87-82 victory over University of Perpetual Help System Dalta to sweep the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup elimination round Wednesday at Filoil EcoOil Centre.
John Lloyd Clemente starred with 21 points, five coming in the Bulldogs’ 16-2 surge in the last three minutes to topple a nine-point deficit en route to an unblemished 8-0 won-loss card in Group A.
Germy Mahinay and PJ Palacielo also contributed 12 points apiece and combined for 14 rebounds for NU.
NU looked headed to another easy victory with a 67-61 lead at the eighth-minute mark of the final quarter but the Altas went on a 19-4 rampage for an 80-71 lead.
Fortunately, Clemente rallied the Bulldogs who limited their opponents to only one point in the stretch.
“Even though we won, the way we performed, we relaxed late in the game,” NU Coach Jeff Napa said. “Defense first, we had to remind them about that.
For Perpetual, Kim Aurin had 23 points in leading Perpetual Help, which has one more opportunity to improve on its 2-5 record when the Altas take on Arellano University (1-5) on Saturday.
San Sebastian College-Recoletos, meanwhile, remained in the playoff race after frustrating Letran, 69-64, also on Thursday.
Ian Suico sank four charities in the last two minutes to help the Golden Stags hold off the charging Knights and hang on to a much-needed win that hiked their record to 3-3 in Group B.
“Coach Egay says that every game, we have to win. Our morale’s low but we need to step up,” said coach Louie Bautista, who called the shots in lieu of Egay Macaraya, a day after they suffered a disappointing loss in the Philippine Basketball Association D-League Aspirants Cup semifinals.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association rivals were all even at 63 with 3:06 left before San Sebastian went on a 7-2 run—all on free throws—to put the game away.
Suico wound up with 13 points, while Itchie Altamirano tallied an all-around 12 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four steals.
The Golden Stags could boost their bid for the quarterfinals if they beat the winless Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Saturday.
The Knights (3-3), on the other hand, need to beat perfect De La Salle to stay in contention for the next round.