National University averted another upset as the UAAP champion Bulldogs turned back the Southwestern University Cobras, 83-68, Sunday night in the Elite Eight of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League at Cebu City Coliseum.
The Bulldogs, who dropped a 77-74 decision to the University of the Visayas Lancers, fell behind by 20 points, 12-32, after another listless start before finding their rhythm through Gelo Alolino, Glenn Khobuntin and Troy Rosario.
Khobuntin pumped in a team-high 17 points and Alolino finished with 13, highlighted by three straight triples that boosted the Bulldogs to a 56-56 tie at the end of the third period.
The UV Lancers later pulled off a second straight shocker, a 95-88 decision over NCAA runner-up Arellano in the other match.
Guard Franz Arong poured in 15 of his game-high 28 points in the second quarter where the Lancers started to pull ahead at 41-31.
John Abad (17 points), Steve Akomo (16 points) and Rhaffy Octobre (15 points) also joined the scoring splurge to power the Lancers, who improved to 2-1.
The SWU Cobras, who were held scoreless in the second period, stayed winless in three games.
The top two teams will advance to the best-of-three championship series.
Action returns to Manila starting this Friday with defending champion La Salle, the leader at 2-0, battling San Beda at 2 p.m. at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Far Eastern University and Arellano, which both dropped their lone assignment in Cebu, gun for their first win in the other match at 4 p.m. Jasmine W. Payo
The scores:
First Game
UV 95—Arong 28, Abad 17, Akomo 16, Octobre 15, Segumpan 10, Perolino 3, Codilla 2, Manzo 2, Aguirre 2, Soliva 0.
ARELLANO 88—Jalalon 26, Gumaru 13, Salado 13, Nicholls 9, Holts 8, Bangga 5, Hernandez 4, Cadavis 4, Ortega 4, Salcedo 2, Tano 0, Meca 0, Enriquez 0, Capara 0.
Quarters: 24-13, 41-31, 64-58, 95-88
Second Game
NU 83—Khobuntin 17, Rosario 13, Alolino 13, Perez 12, Aroga 10, Diputado 7, Javelona 6, Salim 3, Neypes 2, Alejandro 0, Yu 0, Betayene 0.
SWU 68—Tallo 21, Sanjo 16, Goloran 11, J.R. Parker 10, Valdor 4, Holper 3, Luz 3, Mohammed 0, Bregondo 0, Pardo 0, Racho 0, Labitad 0.
Quarters: 16-33, 31-36, 56-56, 83-68