National University weathered off a late Ateneo fightback in the payoff period to score a 78-71 victory and solidify its hold of the lead in the UAAP Season 81 juniors basketball tournament Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Gerry Abadiano and Terrence Fortea each scored 16 points while Ernest Felicida contributed 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and four steals for the Bullpups.
But it was Carl Tamayo’s three-point play in the final 46.3 seconds that keyed NU’s seventh win in eight contests.
NU coach Goldwyn Monteverde, however, downplayed the team’s victory – their second straight over the Eaglets.
“Elimination pa lang, it’s not yet the finals,” said Monteverde.
Kai Sotto, the leading season MVP contender, had 22 points, 18 boards, five assists and three blocks for the Blue Eaglets.
UP Integrated School was also in the spotlight as it finally entered the win column with a big second half for a 64-56 romp of De La Salle-Zobel.
