UAAP juniors: NU Bullpups trip Ateneo in finals opener

Batang Gilas team standout Mark Dyke led National University with 20 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Bullpups over Ateneo, 76-72, in Game One of the UAAP Season 77 juniors basketball finals on Friday at The Arena in San Juan.

 

It was the first defeat of the season for the Blue Eaglets, which swept all 14 games in the elimination round.

 

NU coach Jeff Napa, who piloted the Bullpups to the title last season, said the team knew coming in just what kind of fight to expect against the Blue Eaglets.

 

"Alam namin na ang Ateneo hindi basta magpapatalo yan. We just tried to motivate our players," he said. "‘Yung experience factor malaking bagay talaga eh. We gave them the confidence para ibigay ang best nila."

 

It was that experience that carried NU down the stretch, as the Bullpups remained poised in the face of a furious Blue Eagles comeback.

 

The win put NU on even footing with Ateneo, as both teams need two more victories to clinch the title.

 

The scores:

 

NU (76) - Dyke 20, Clemente 17, Manalang 14, Ferreras 6, Sta. Ana 6, Atienza 5, Baltazar 3, Mina 3, Saquian 2, De Guzman 0, Calma 0, Camaso 0, Callejo 0, Claveria 0.

 

ADMU (72) - Nieto Mi. 25, Nieto Ma. 19, Mendoza 14, Andrade 5, Mamuyac 5, Joson 4, Ildefonso 0, Hassan 0, Ramos 0, Eustaquio 0, Salandanan 0.

 

Quarters: 19-19, 36-31, 56-49, 76-72