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By Ivan Saldajeno
TANAUAN--NU earned the last seat in the PCCL playoffs after taking down Olivarez, 69-57, in the last Luzon qualifying game at the FAITH Indoor Sports Arena and Activity Center on Sunday.
The Bulldogs, however, had to withstand a gallant stand from the Sea Lions, who came in as the South Luzon regional champions.
NU, which booked one of the two Metro Manila regional berths in the Luzon qualifiers, pulled away midway in the third quarter and held on despite Olivarez's full court press in the fourth to complete the Elite Eight cast.
Jjay Alejandro fired 20 points along with six rebounds, four assists, and one steal for the Bulldogs, who will take on the reigning CESAFI titleholders USC Warriors at the start of the stepladder playoffs on Monday at the same venue.
Provil Bermudes tallied 17 points on 8-of-23 shooting for the Sea Lions, who actually had the lead at some points of the first quarter.
Box Scores:
NU 69-Alejandro 20, Rangel 14, Aroga 11, Morido 8, Salim 6, Yu 5, Lastimosa 3, De Castro 2, Diputado 0, Abatayo 0, Tansingco 0
Olivarez 57-Bermudes 17, Begaso 10, Bustos 10, Saguiguit 9, Geronimo 5, Navarro 4, Solis 2, Singh 0, Tomilloso 0, Sala 0
Quarterscores: 18-17, 35-29, 51-40, 69-57
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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