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| Ivan Saldajeno (file photo) |
By Miggy Yabut
SAN JUAN, MM--NU closed in on winning the championship of the first Philippines-Australia Goodwill Basketball Invitational with an 82-58 victory over Perth at the FilOil Flying V Arena on Saturday.
The Bulldogs pulled away in the final three quarters to shut out the Sharks, who finished the tournament winless in five games.
Rev Diputado led NU, which can clinch the title if San Sebastian loses to Arellano in the nightcap, with 14 points, three rebounds, four assists, and a steal. Seldom-used Ralph Tansingco added eight points and six rebounds.
Sebastian Salinas scored 23 markers and grabbed ten boards for Perth.
Box Scores:
NU 82-Diputado 14, Abatayo 8, Alolino 8, Tansingco 8, Issa 6, Javillonar 6, Lastimosa 5, Salim 4, Rangel 4, Neypes 4, Javelona 4, Alejandro 3, Morido 2, Celda 2, Aroga 2, Senining 2
Perth 58-Salinas 23, Smith 11, Bindue 7, Buenavista 6, Clarke 5, Kereama 3, Hayden 3
Quarterscores: 18-15, 41-27, 60-39, 82-58
