UAAP: NU outlasts Ateneo in OT to claim top spot as first round nears end

National University outlasted Ateneo de Manila University in overtime, 71-66, on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to take the top spot in the standings as the first round of UAAP Season 88 men's basketball comes to a close this weekend.

Paul Francisco torched the Blue Eagles in the extra period, scoring 10 of his 13 points in overtime alone, while Ateneo managed only five points during that stretch.

Jake Figueroa tallied 13 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, while Steve Nash Enriquez and Omar John added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Jaden Lazo, meanwhile, led Ateneo with 17 points, and Shawn Tuano chipped in 15.

NU wrapped up its first-round campaign with a 6-1 record, while Ateneo suffered its third straight loss, dropping to 4-3.

Scores:

NU 71 – Figueroa 13, Francisco 13, Enriquez 12, John 11, Manansala 9, Santiago 7, Jumamoy 3, Palacielo 2, Garcia 1, Dela Cruz 0, Padrones 0, Tulabut 0, Parks 0.

Ateneo 66 – Lazo 17, Tuano 15, Escobar 14, Espinosa 10, Ladi 9, Ong 1, Bongo 0, Lazaro 0, Nieto 0, Espina 0, Gamber 0.

Quarters: 19-11, 34-22, 48-40, 61-61, 71-66.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News