Aroga knocks free throws for NU to overwhelm UE
Alfred Aroga converted two free throws with 12.4 seconds remaining to put the National University Bulldogs on top, 51-49, over the University of the East Red Warriors to claim the final spot of the UAAP final four Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Aroga scored the last five points of the Bulldogs, including the lay up that temporarily increased the score into 49-42 with 3:16 left in the fourth quarter. Aroga’s all around game paved the way for the Bulldogs to keep fighting despite of the rampaging comeback of UE.
“That was the biggest play of our season. The whole game we’re having a hard time trying to get open on that inbound play and it’s a good thing that Paolo was able to see Alfred under the basket,” said a calm NU head coach Eric Altamirano. “For Alfred to make those free throws, those were two big free throws for us.”
UE had the chance to tie and even win the game when Roi Sumang was double teamed and he passed to Bong Galanza for the open three, but Galanza missed it as time expired.
The University of the East blew several opportunities to have the lead , including a 5-of-13 free-throw shooting in the fourth quarter.
Roi Sumang never looked at the scoreboard as he continued to drop baskets to cut the lead into four, 49-45, with two minutes left. Sumang also drilled in a triple to cut the deficit into one, 49-48, with 1:16 remaining.
The Red Warriors got back the ball but Sumang missed the three-pointer. However, their defense enabled them to have another possession and Chris Javier was fouled by Troy Rosario. Javier split his free-throws to tie the game at 49.
Sumang had 19 points and four steals as UE fell short of making it to the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Glenn Khobuntin led the Bulldogs with 12 points and six rebounds.
The Bulldogs meet Ateneo in the Final Four.
