By NIKOLE JAVIER
Kean Baclaan caught fire in the second half to help National University fend off Adamson, 69-66, for its fourth straight win in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Baclaan poured 15 of his 19 points in the third quarter on an impressive 7-of-12 shooting and on top five rebounds and five assists as the Bulldogs closed out their first round campaign on a winning note.
That improved their record to 6-1 – as Jake Figueroa also had an efficient 7-of-9 shooting to finish with 17 points, while Steven Nash Enriques contributed 13.
Down by 30-41 at the half, NU went on a massive 25-13 surge in the third quarter en route to the victory.
Though the Falcons pulled themselves within three with less than a minute to go in regulation, 69-66, all efforts went nowhere as Joshua Yerro missed the potential game-tying triple off an Enriquez turnover.
“Alam naman namin di porket nandoon sila sa standing mahina na ‘yong kalaban. Ever since, I know coach Nash (Racela) kahit saan mapunta very competitive ‘yong team na ‘yong. Talagang [bumawi kami] third quarter doon kami nagtrabaho to get the W,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa.
Matt Erolon delivered 14 points to pace the Falcons, while Matthew Montebon and OJ Ojarikre had 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Without star guard Jerom Lastimosa, Adamson finished the round with a 3-4 slate.
The scores:
NU 69 – Baclaan 19, Figueroa 17, Enriquez 13, Jumamoy 5, Delos Reyes 4, Manansala 3, Yu 2, Lim 2, John 2, Palacielo 2, Malonzo 0, Galinato 0, Perciano 0, Parks 0.
ADAMSON 66 – Erolon 14, Montebon 11, Ojarikre 10, Yerro 8, Calisay 7, Sabandal 5, Manzano 4, Hanapi 3, Colonia 2, Magbuhos 2, Barasi 0, Barcelona 0, Canete 0.
Quarters: 11-17, 30-41, 55-54, 69-66
