NU escapes Adamson in OT, arrests 3-game skid

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Defending champion National University averted a major upset that would’ve dealt a big blow to its flailing Final Four campaign with an  85-79 escape of Adamson in overtime in the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

J-Jay Alejandro scored a career-high 22 points for the Bulldogs, who snapped a three-game losing skid and improve their record to 4-6.

Adamson’s Ivan Villanueva scored on a game-tying undergoal stab, 72-all, with 13 seconds left that forced OT. The Falcons, who were without their suspended starting point guard Joseph Nalos, slipped to 1-9 and formally bowed out of semifinals contention.

“Final Four, it’s still there. It’s important we do our own game,” said NU head coach Eric Altamirano, whose team is currently in fifth place behind Ateneo and De La Salle who own identical 5-4 records.

“It’s important we bring back our game. When you get yourself in a losing streak, especially with a young team, it’s very hard to regain confidence.”

The Bulldogs went on an 8-0 run to take a 72-70 edge with 19.9 seconds remaining in regulation.

NU drew eight points from Alejandro in the extra period. Alfred Aroga had 17 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks while Gelo Alolino also posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 assists.

Pape Sarr, the Adamson center, had his own career performance with 32 points and  17 rebounds in a losing effort.