NATIONAL University moved a step closer to securing a Final Four berth in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball after turning back De La Salle University, 75-67, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Delivering clutch shots down the stretch, the Bulldogs kept their hold on the No. 1 position with an improved 8-2 card—marking back-to-back victories and five wins in their last six outings.

Nash Enriquez powered NU with 16 points while Paul Francisco added 14 in the statement win. Reinforcing the effort was Omar John, who tallied 12 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks to deny the Green Archers a fifth consecutive triumph.

La Salle’s Jacob Cortez fired 16 points alongside four rebounds and three assists, but the loss pushed the Archers down to third place with a 6-4 slate.