MANILA – The National University (NU) Bulldogs fashioned a 76-70 victory over the Adamson Falcons during Saturday’s 72nd University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at the Araneta Coliseum.

NU was already on the brink of a collapse midway the fourth quarter when its outside shooting began to click against Adamson.

Rookie Joseph Hermosisima had two triples while Denmark Cabaluna chipped in one in a torrid 12-0 finisher by the Bulldogs.

Adamson came up with its own 11-2 run, erasing as much as 12-point deficit to lead by six, 70-64, 4:52 left in the game.

However, the Bulldogs were not to be denied this time.

“We just continue to be positive. Even after the big losses, we concentrated on the positives. We’ll have adjustments in our game come the second round,” NU coach Manny Dandan said.

Melvin Baloran scored all of his 13 points in the first quarter and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace NU, which tied its total wins last season.

Adamson, which trailed for most part of the game, was led by Leo Canuday with 16 points.

The win gave the Bulldogs a 2-5 record at the end of the first round while the Falcons are at the bottom of the standings with a 1-6 win-loss slate. - By Alder T. Almo

The Scores:

NU 76 – Baloran 13, Roy 12, Ponferrada 12, Hermosisima 9, Terso 7, Singh 6, Cabaluna 6, Manito 4, Fabula 4, Luy 3, Tungcul 0, Malanday 0, Magat 0, Batac 0.

AdU 70 – Canuday 16, Margallo 13, Canada 13, Colina 6, Santos 5, Nuyles 5, Cabrera 4, Alvarez 4, Basillio 3, Camson 2, Lozada 0, Galinato 0.

Quarters: 24-19, 46-42, 62-59, 76-70.

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