UAAP Season 86: Baclaan-led NU outwits Adamson, extends winning streak to four games

Thanks to Kean Baclaan's explosion, National University (NU) climbed back from an 11-point hole to beat Adamson University (ADU), 69-66, at the end of their first round campaign.

Baclaan, who struggled to score in NU's last two games, lighted it up from deep in the third frame after knocking down five triples for 19 points – all in the second half – in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament on Saturday, October 21, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The second-year guard also hauled five assists and four rebounds for the Bulldogs, now 6-1 after the first round – losing their only game over UP.

Jake Figueroa churned out 17 points and five rebounds, while Steve Nash Enriquez chipped in 13 for NU.

Before the Adamson game, Baclaan missed seven three-point attempts and converted just five of his 26 field goals.

In his return to UST, Baclaan's alma mater, he made a huge splash for NU's fourth win in a row.

After breaking the 63-all deadlock, Baclaan fed Enriquez with back-to-back assists for a couple of buckets for a 69-63 lead in the last 1:28 of the payoff period.

Matthew Montebon pulled the Soaring Falcons within three, 69-66, by sinking his triple.

However, Adamson couldn't make the necessary baskets to overcome NU.

Montebon's three-point shot went off the mark with 32 ticks to go. In a last-ditch effort, the Soaring Falcons forced the Bulldogs to a turnover, but Joshua Yerro missed his potential game-tying shot.

Coach Nash Racela's ADU absorbed its second straight close loss for a 3-4 card. The Soaring Falcons got beaten by Far Eastern University last Wednesday, 49-46.

Matt Erolon buried four treys for 14 points to lead Adamson, while Montebon posed 11 markers. OJ Ojarikre provided 10 and six boards.