Alex Nuyles of Adamson is Mbe fouled by Emmanuel Mbe NU. Photo by August dela Cruz
MANILA, Philippines — Emmanuel Mbe not only scored a game-high 26 points but delivered the most important basket of the game to lift National University over Adamson University, 69-67, Saturday in the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Cup.
Mbe caught the leather off a failed attempt from Jeoff Javillonar and nailed the go-ahead basket with 1.4 seconds left and it capped the Bulldogs’ eight-game elimination round sweep.
Coach Eric Gonzales owed the final basket to luck, but also thought it helped his squad improve on their waterloo last season– closing out games.
“Adamson is a tought nut to crack and we were just very lucky to pull that off in the end,” said Gonzales. “But I always tell my players that what’s good is we know how to execute in the end game.”
Mbe also had 13 rebounds, and an assist, a steal and a block while reigning UAAP MVP Ray Parks Jr. finished with 12 points and four assists.
The Bulldogs, who are leaving for a mini training camp in Xiamen, China Sunday, topped their griup and will face the fourth place in group A.
The Falcons, meanwhile, reeled to their second straight loss for a 2-3 record despite picking up the pace in the second half to keep the contest close.
Co-skippers Eric Camson and Alex Nuyles scored 16 and 12 points respectively for Adamson in a losing effort.