MANILA - National University emerged victorious over Adamson University with a 69-66 win in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 men's basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday. Kean Baclaan led the charge in the second half, scoring 19 points, including five triples in the third quarter, while also contributing 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
According to News Releases by Philippines News Agency, the win marks the Bulldogs' fourth consecutive victory, positioning them in solo second with a 6-1 record as the first round of the eliminations concluded. The University of the Philippines (6-0) leads the field and will play against Ateneo (3-3) at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Jake Figueroa contributed 17 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one block for NU, and Nash Enriquez added 13 points and three rebounds.
Baclaan's basket broke a 63-63 tie, sparking a 6-0 run and giving NU a 69-63 lead with 1:28 remaining. Matthew Montebon scored a three-pointer for Adamson, narrowing the gap to 66-69, but failed to convert another three-point attempt with 32 seconds left. Joshua Yerro also missed a scoring opportunity as time ran out.
"Give credit to Adamson," said NU coach Jeff Napa. "We know they are not weak in any position. Ever since, I know coach Nash [Racela] makes any team he coaches very competitive."
Matt Erolon led Adamson with 14 points and two steals. The Falcons initially led 17-11 in the first quarter and maintained a 41-30 advantage at halftime. Montebon and OJ Ojarikre also contributed with 11 points and two assists, and 10 points and six rebounds, respectively. The loss takes Adamson to a 3-4 record for the season.