MANILA – National University Bulldogs came up with clutch baskets in the endgame as it eliminated Gilas Pilipinas, 86-81, in the 2018 FilOil Flying V Premier Cup at the San Juan Arena.
With the score tied at 77-all, Bulldogs came up with consecutive baskets from John Lloyd Clemente, John Galinato and Shawn Ildefonso to increase the advantage to 83-77 with 19.6 seconds left in the match.
Clemente led the way with 23 points. Galinato added 20 markers while Enzo Joson and Ildefonso had 14 and 13 points, respectively.
The Bulldogs remained in the playoffs race with its 2-3 win-loss slate.
“I’m fortunate to coach these young men,” said Bulldogs head coach Jamike Jarin. “They will only get better and better and we hope to fast-track their maturity in time for the UAAP.”
Gilas in fact had a strong start on Tuesday night and was up by as much as 47-35 midway in the second period. But the Bulldogs stormed its way back to snatch the lead at 66-61 heading into the fourth.
Gilas responded with a run in the final quarter and even went up 77-72 on consecutive points from Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero. The Bulldogs, however, answered with a finishing run to take the win.
Paras played his best game since returning from United States with 20 points. Abu Tratter contributed 16 points, seven rebounds and four blocks while Juan Gomez de Llano had 13 for Gilas (1-5).
In the other match, University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers nabbed its first win under head coach Aldin Ayo as it waylaid Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 98-88. Henri Subido led the way with 24 points for Tigers./PN
