NU completes perfect run, rules FilOil tiff with win vs FEU

National University completed an unblemished run in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup after outlasting the streaking Far Eastern University, 56-46, to emerge as the champions on Saturday.

The Bulldogs copped the title with no losses after they swept the elimination round with an 8-0 slate before outlasting San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the quarterfinals and Adamson University in the semis.

A John Figueroa triple pushed NU's lead to 14, 47-33, midway through the fourth quarter but FEU big man Patrick Tchuente led their rally to cut the deficit to just five, 47-42, and force the Bulldogs bench to call for a timeout.

The Jeff Napa-mentored squad held on after unleashing a 9-4 closing run to finish off the Morayta crew and emerge as the newest FilOil kings.

Bruiser Germy Mahinay top-scored NU with a double-double effort of 15 points, 10 rebounds, and one block while Omar John and John Lloyd Clemente chipped in 12 and 10 markers apiece.

Bryan Sajonia starred for the Tamaraws with 15 points to go along with five rebounds as FEU capped off its campaign. Prior to the finals affair, FEU was on a streak after defeating powerhouse UP and La Salle in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Clemente was named the Most Valuable Player and joined UP's Carl Tamayo, La Salle's Michael Phillips, FEU's Royce Alforque, and CSB's Will Gozum in the tournament's Mythical Five.

—MGP, GMA News