NU pulls away late vs San Sebastian, arranges Filoil semis duel vs Adamson

National University pulled away late against San Sebastian College-Recoletos to eke out a 75-64 victory and book a semifinals ticket in the FilOil EcoOil 15th Preseason Cup on Tuesday.

With the victory, NU earned the right to face Adamson University in the final four stage.

The Bulldogs led by as many as 11 points before the midway mark of the fourth quarter, 60-49, but the Stags staged a rally and cut their deficit to just three following an 11-3 run, 63-60.

NU fended off San Sebastian's run, closing out the game with a 12-4 rampage to cruise to the win.

With no Steve Nash Enriquez and John Lloyd Clemente, who were both resting due to minor injuries, John Galinato took the scoring cudgels for NU, registering 19 points and four assists.

"Despite maraming injuries, tapos si Kean (Baclaan) 'di pwedeng maglaro, kaya medyo kinuha lang agad namin 'yung rhythm namin through our defense," said NU head coach Jeff Napa.

"'Yun naman ang bread and butter namin."

Helping Galinato were John Figueroa and RJ Minerva who chipped in 13 and 11 markers each.

"Laging pini-preach ni Coach Jeff sa amin na lagi lang kaming ready so ayun dumating 'yung opportunity na wala 'yung starters namin, ready ako off the bench," said Galinato.

—JMB, GMA News