NU ends 7-year Final Four drought, eyes top-two finish

National University (NU) secured a spot in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament, ending a seven-year drought with a 67-57 victory over UST on Sunday.

John Lloyd Clemente led NU with 19 points and five rebounds, including a crucial triple near the end of the game.

With this win, NU improved to 9-3 in the season and is now tied with reigning champion University of the Philippines (UP) for a top-two finish, which comes with a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis.

On Wednesday, NU will face De La Salle University (DLSU), while UP plays UST at 11 a.m. Ateneo and UE play at 3 p.m., and FEU faces Adamson at 6:30 p.m.