Filoil Flying V: NU, Adamson, FEU hold off foes
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) National University toughened up when it needed most as it held off Arellano University, 55-47 in a come from behind fashion Thursday in the Filoil Flying V Pre-season tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
Meanwhile, Adamson trumped University of the Philippines, 65-57, even as Far Eastern kept its unbeaten slate by slamming Mapua, 77-65.
The Bulldogs, led by their prized rookies, came alive in the last five minutes to turn the game around from a 41-45 deficit early in the fourth en route to their third win in as many matches.
The highly-touted Ray Parks Jr. punched in 16 points for NU while the pocket-sized Cedric Labingisa added 13.
“Their big guy [Mammie] dominated us and we adjusted in the last five minutes by playing zone and that’s where we controlled it,” said NU head coach Eric Altamirano.
Charles Mammie had 21 points in a losing cause for the Chiefs.
Guard Lester Alvarez, meanwhile, came in the aid of the Falcons with 12 points as their bigs Eric Camson and Januz Lozada combined for 21 points.
“We’re starting to slowly work our game up. I was happy with our win but at the same time I know we still need to improve,” said Adamson coach Leo Austria.
The Tamaraws, which also won third straight, drew solid support from Hippolyte Noundou who had 17, and Terrence Romeo who contributed 16.
