NU Bulldogs defeat Ateneo Blue Eagles in OT, take solo first place

Paul Francisco scored 10 of his 13 points in overtime, including back-to-back triples in the final minute, to lead the National University (NU) Bulldogs to a 71-66 victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

This win propelled the Bulldogs to a 6-1 record, securing the solo first place in the elimination round standings after the first round and extending their winning streak to three games.

The Bulldogs' lone loss in the first round was against the UP Maroons, 66-59.

NU has already surpassed their win total from last year with a 6-1 record, compared to their 5-9 tally in the previous season.

Ateneo, who absorbed their third straight loss after a 4-0 start, fell to a 4-3 record.

Jake Figueroa contributed 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists for NU, while Steve Nash Enriquez and Omar John added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Shawn Tuano's game-tying three-pointer with 8.3 seconds left in regulation forced the game into overtime.

Jaden Lazo led Ateneo with 17 points, and Shawn Tuano added 15, but it was not enough to overcome NU's overtime performance.