By Ivan Saldajeno
SAN JUAN, MM--Having to play all-Filipino with their foreign players sitting out due to injuries, NU still gave a fight to CSB and won, 59-54, in the nightcap of a five-game FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup schedule on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Bulldogs staved off a scoreless spell midway in the fourth quarter and a mini-run by the Blazers late in the period to secure their first win in the tournament.
Reggie Morido had 11 points, while Matt Salem added ten for NU.
Having to play extended minutes at the center spot due to Alfred Aroga and Issa Gaye's absence, Matt Aquino still put up an impressive performance against CSB's Clement Leutcheu defensively as he grabbed seven rebounds and four blocks.
Leutcheu finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks of his own, but he only made three of ten free throws all game long.
Box Scores:
NU 59-Morido 11, Salem 10, Labing-isa 6, Diputado 6, Go 5, Alejandro 5, Aquino 3, Yu 3, Cauilan 3, Abatayo 3, Salim 2, Gallego 1, Mosqueda 1, Rangel 0
CSB 54-Leutcheu 13, Fajarito 12, Sta. Maria 9, Young 5, Haruna 4, JJ Domingo 3, JS Domingo 3, Dixon 2, Belgica 2, Pajarillaga 1, Castor 0, Pasamante 0, Pili 0, San Juan 0
Quarterscores: 14-12, 32-25, 48-42, 59-54
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