Bulldogs clamp down on Stags in 4th for 76-61 win
MANILA, Philippines—National University outscored San Sebastian, 23-8 in the payoff period for a 76-61 win Friday in the 2014 Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan.
The Bulldogs pounded down low in the fourth and rendered the Stags helpless, blowing the game, which was tied at 53 after three periods, wide open.
“What I liked about our game is that we were able to assert ourselves in the 4th,” said head coach Eric Altamirano after the game.
“We played bad defense in the third quarter so it’s a good thing we were able to shut them down in the fourth.”
NU was in control of the entire first half and led by double digits several times, but loosened up on San Sebastian in the ensuing quarter that allowed the Stags to take the lead, 53-50, on a basket by Eulo Aquino.
Rev Diputado tied the game with a triple to end the quarter, and there started the Bulldogs’ crippling run which went all the way into the fourth.
Guard Paolo Javelona, Alfred Aroga, Troy Rosario and Gleen Khobuntin alternated in the demolition job that pushed the lead to as big as 16, 74-58, with 1:09 to play.
Aroga finished with 16 points and six rebounds while Khobuntin and Rden Celda tandemed for 25 points and 15 rebounds for NU, which improved to 2-0.
The Stags, meanwhile, absorbed their third loss. Mike Calisaan led with 15 points in a losing effort.
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