NU uses big 3rd quarter, rallies past Arellano

FILE – Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

National University launched an offensive onslaught n the third quarter to shock Arellano University, 82-79, in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Bulldogs were down, 53-37, in the third quarter when they eventually went into overdrive and got loose to the tune of a 26-5 run to take a 63-58 lead to finish the period.

This eventually became the Bulldog’s foundation to hold off the Chiefs in the final period.

Bulldogs head coach Jamike Jarin said they had to exceed the energy of Arellano if ever they want to come back and take the victory.

“We decided that we need to up the energy because Arellano comes with a lot of energy and we had to match that energy,” said Jarin as his team improved to 2-1 in Group B. “It was evident in the third quarter that we got that energy and we got the lead.”

Matt Salem led the Bulldogs with 18 points and 13 rebounds while Issa Gaye had 11 points and nine boards.

Lervin Flores had 15 points and 14 boards to lead the 0-2 Chiefs.