MANILA, Philippines -- The National University Bulldogs picked up a big win against the already ousted UP Fighting Maroons, 75-69, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to boost their UAAP Season 78 Final Four bid.
The Bulldogs banked on star point guard Gelo Alolino's career game to improve to 6-7 win-loss mark and make the second game more crucial for the De La Salle Green Archers, who tote a 5-6 win-loss card.
Alolino logged in a career-high 26 points along with 10 rebounds and three assists.
He was clutch down the stretch.
UP kept it close and threatened at 63-60 but Alolino hit 10 straight points against a lone Maroons basket to pad the lead 73-62 with only 29 seconds left.
Alfred Aroga also came up big with 15 points, 17 rebounds and two shot blocks for the Bulldogs.
Diego Dario and Jett Manuel each had 13 points for the Maroons, who were booted out of the Final Four race with a 3-9 win-loss record.