Bulldogs rebound, turn back Cobras

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning UAAP champion National U redeemed itself from a shock loss to University of the Visayas over the weekend, beating Cebu champion Southwestern U, 83-68, in the Elite Eight stage of the 2014 Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City last Saturday.

The Bulldogs actually appeared headed for another disaster after trailing by 20 points, 12-32, in the early going. But this time, they fought back, holding the Cobras without a field goal in the second quarter to close within five, 31-36, at halftime before pulling even at 56 heading to the final quarter.

Gelo Alolino then took over, starring in a decisive 10-1 run with three straight three-pointers as NU pulled away, 66-58, seven minutes remaining.

Tristan Perez and Troy Rosario then finished off the Cobras with the former scoring six straight points and the latter drilling in a triple to put the outcome beyond recall, 80-66, with 1:10 remaining.

Five players scored in double figures for NU, led by Glenn Khobuntin’s 17 points and the 13 points each of Rosario and Alolino. Perez added 12 markers while Alfred Aroga chipped in 10 points for NU, which evened its record at 1-1 after dropping a 74-77 setback to the Green Lancers.

Earlier, the UV Green Lancers continued their giant-killing ways as they brought down the Arellan  Chiefs, 95-88.