Bulldogs repel Tigers, gain semis

MANILA, Philippines — National U ended a seven-year Final Four drought with a 67-57 come-from-behind win over Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Skipper John Lloyd Clemente produced 19 points including the dagger triple in the last minute as the Bulldogs listed their fourth straight win and ninth overall in 12 matches to join reigning champion and pacesetting University of the Philippines in the semis.

Omar John (12) and Kean Baclaan (10) backstopped Clemente in NU’s big triumph that gave the Bulldogs a little breathing room versus Ateneo (8-3) in a wild race for a Top 2 finish that comes with a twice-to-beat advantage.

“We survived a gritty UST team. They played their hearts out. Good thing was we came back in the second half. We regrouped and earned this tough win,” said coach Jeff Napa.

In the other games, Ateneo downed Far Eastern U, 71-65, and Adamson trounced University of the East, 74-64.

down to earn at least a playoff a Final Four berth with a 71-65 decision over Far Eastern U.