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MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University survived a scare from Letran, 69-67, to secure a semifinals seat in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Wednesday at the Arena in San Juan.
The Bulldogs, who are now 20-0 in the tournament dating back to last season’s championship run, found themselves on the ropes as they trailed, 65-67, after Rey Nambatac unloaded a triple from the right wing with only 1:17 left.
“For this game, we really didn’t play our best, we were off in our defense and offense,” said NU head coach Eric Altamirano. “I thought we were a step slow but no excuses Letran played more relaxed than us.”
For a moment, NU looked well on its way to a blowout win after it led by 12, 51-39, on a reverse layup by Troy Rosario off a nice find by Ray Parks at the 6:56 mark of the third quarter.
But the Knights, who are still missing their key players Kevin Racal and Jonathan Belorio due to injuries, refused to let the game slip away.
Sparked by Mark Cruz with a much-needed push from its bench, Letran went on a 23-5 run bridging the third and fourth quarter to take a 62-56 edge on a basket by Cruz.
Alfred Aroga’s free throws gave the lead back to NU before Nambatac’s shot-clock beating triple swung the momentum and the advantage back to Letran.
Aroga got the final say with a three-point play for a 68-67 edge with 24.5 ticks left. Nambatac had another crack at the three but he badly missed before Ford Ruaya’s last-second attempt got blocked by Rosario.
“I liked the poise of the boys in the end, we were behind most of the game and yet the most important part of the game they were able to deliver.”
Reigning back-to-back UAAP MVP Ray Parks had 16 points, four assists and two blocks for NU, which faces either San Beda or De La Salle in the semifinals.
Gelo Alolino added 13 points, including a split free throw with 4.6 ticks remaining, and dished out eight assists.
Cruz paced Letran, which was rewarded the final quarterfinals slot in Group B after Ateneo pulled out, with 16 points while Raymond Almazan had 10 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks highlighted by a denial on a baseline dunk attempt by Parks.