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| Ivan Saldajeno (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
PASIG--NU almost lost a huge late lead but still held on to a 69-66 win against Ateneo in the Philippines-Australia Goodwill Basketball Invitational at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday night.
The Bulldogs appeared to give a proof that their stunning UAAP Final Four win against the Blue Eagles was not a fluke as they led by as much as 15, 66-51, with 4:02 left in the game.
However, Gwyne Capacio and Aaron Black sizzled to lead the Blue Eagles' furious comeback to cut the gap to just three, 67-64, with 9.8 seconds remaining.
The 13-1 rally fell short in the end as Pao Javelona scored two free throws in the next possession and Von Pessumal badly missed a hurried three-pointer on the other end. Capacio converted the follow-up to the Pessumal miss for the final score.
Javelona and JJay Alejandro scored ten points each for NU, which is using the tournament as a tune-up to its title defense next UAAP season.
Capacio scored six of his 14 points in the last 1:58 of the game. Black, on the other hand, had eight points in the same span to finish with 11 for Ateneo. Kiefer Ravena also had 14 points but was held scoreless in the fourth.
Box Scores:
NU 69-Alejandro 10, Javelona 10, Salim 8, Alolino 7, Issa 6, Celda 6, Javillonar 5, Abatayo 4, Aroga 3, Diputado 2, Rangel 2, Lastimosa 0, Tansingco 0
Ateneo 66-K. Ravena 14, Capacio 14, Black 11, Cani 8, Pessumal 7, Babilonia 4, Porter 3, V. Tolentino 2, A. Tolentino 1, Apacible 0, Chibueze 0, F. Ravena 0
Quarterscores: 16-13, 37-28, 57-45, 69-66
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