Paul Francisco scored 10 of his 13 points in overtime for the NU Bulldogs, securing the top spot in UAAP Season 88 after beating the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Paul Francisco took over in crunch time to power the NU Bulldogs past the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 71-66, in an overtime thriller that sent NU back to the solo lead in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on October 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Francisco delivered when it mattered most, erupting for 10 of his 13 points in OT—including a personal 5-0 run that turned a one-point deficit into a decisive NU lead.
Despite nearly squandering an 18-point advantage, the Bulldogs kept their composure behind Francisco’s late heroics to finish Round 1 with a 6-1 record. Ateneo, missing key players Jared Bahay and Divine Adili, fell to 4-3 despite strong efforts from Shaun Tuano and Jaden Lazo.