MANILA, Philippines – Kean Baclaan made timely plays down the stretch as the NU Bulldogs squeaked past the UE Red Warriors, 64-61, for their fifth straight win in UAAP Season 86 hoops Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Warriors, who led by 14 earlier in the game, saw their lead cut to just four, 61-57, with 3:28 left in the match following a Rey Remogat transition layup.
It was the last points of the Recto-based cagers in the game as their foes locked them down.
Baclaan had a personal 5-0 blast to give the Bulldogs a 62-61 lead 58 seconds later.
The Warriors were unable to find the basket as their attempts to take the lead went for naught.
A window was left open by NU after Jake Figueroa was called for an offensive foul with 28.6 left.
Precious Momowei tried to power his way inside but he missed a hook shot.
A pair of free throws by Figueroa iced the game.
Abdul Sawat tried to tie the game with a 3-pointer off the bank, but the shot rimmed off.
Two of the premier point guards in the league, Baclaan and Remogat, had stellar performances in the game.
Baclaan led the Bulldogs with 18 points, five rebounds and three assists, but he committed seven turnovers. Figueroa followed suit with 12 points.
Remogat filled up the stat sheet for UE with 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and eight steals.
Precious Momowei had 15 points and 11 boards for the Red Warriors.
NU is now up to a 7-1 win-loss record.
UE dropped to seventh place with a 2-6 slate.