Bulldogs rally past Saints; Tams triumph

MANILA, Philippines — Kean Baclaan scored the last five points as National University rallied to beat St. Clare College of Caloocan, 82-79, yesterday to claim a share of second spot in Group II of the 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern U claimed a fourth consecutive victory with a 79-70 decision over Centro Escolar University.

Five Tamaraws were in double-digits led by Patrick Sleat’s 16 points on top of five assists and four rebounds.

The Bulldogs completed a fightback from 21 points down in hacking out the stirring win over the Saints who were in control of the game for the most part.

The Saints were still ahead by two, 79-77, with 40.5 ticks to go, but Baclaan’s runner over Babakar Ndong tied the tally.

Following a defensive stop, the Bulldogs again put the ball in the hands of their playmaker who rose for the difference-making triple over Ahron Estacio.