National U clipped Ateneo’s wings in overtime, 71-66, and clinched the No. 1 seed at the close of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball first round yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Paul Francisco drained back-to-back triples in the final minute of the extra period to make up for a missed game-winner in regulation. The Bulldogs recovered after losing an early 18-point lead to finish the round with a three-game winning streak and a 6-1 slate.
Their lone wound came against title holder UP Maroons, 66-59. This early, NU has surpassed its overall tally of 5-9 last year.
Ateneo absorbed its third straight loss after a red-hot 4-0 start.