UAAP: NUNS triumphs in finals rematch versus UST, keeps in step with Boys Tournament leaders

Facing each other for the first time this season, last year’s UAAP Boys Tournament finalists National University-Nazareth School and University of Santo Tomas engaged in a heated battle in which the Bullpups came out on top, 78-74.

NUNS found their edge by committee, with five players scoring double-digits in the victory last Sunday at the Adamson Gym in Manila.

Kurl Figueroa spearheaded the Bullpups offense, scoring a game-high 14 points while also coming up with nine rebounds and five blocks. Meanwhile, on the inside, Moussa Diakite imposed his presence against the Tiger Cubs, amassing 13 points and 23 rebounds.

Corian Cabantog, Miekho Natinga and Chad Cartel bolstered their teammates with 13, 12, and 10 markers to their names.

While NUNS kept pace with league leaders Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University-Diliman, reigning champions UST are yet to find their groove as they finished round one with a 2-5 record.

Jetlee Melano and JC Canapi led the Tiger Cubs in scoring against NUNS with 13 and 12 points respectively.

Ateneo def. UPIS, 96-70

In the opening game on Sunday, Ateneo vented its ire against University of the Philippines-Integrated School, 96-70.

Reeling from their first loss of the season, center Jude Eriobu remained the inevitable force for the Blue Eagles, churning out a game-high 31 points and 13 rebounds in 26 minutes of action.

Off the bench, EK Kaw mustered up 13 points while the pair of Jay M Leal and Noah Banal were right behind by scoring 11 and 10 markers as well.

On the other hand, the Fighting Maroons have now dropped to 0-7 and head into round two in search of their first win. 

A couple of bright spots to carry over in their next endeavors were Bruce Tubongbanua and Zandro Lugatiman, who exploded for 25 and 22 points. The former also contributing nine rebounds, five assists, and a steal.

FEU-D def. ADU, 83-76

Preserving their seat atop of the standings, the Baby Tamaraws came out victorious against a gritty Adamson University squad, 83-76.

Khean Esperanza and Marc Burgos combined for 38 points to help their team attain their sixth win of the season, good for 6-1 win-loss standing.

The pairing were also able to contribute in other facets, with Burgos getting eight boards and Esperanza nicking three steals.

Off the bench, Adi Alagaban had himself a breakout game, chalking up 15 points on five out of seven shooting from three-point range.

Over on the other side, the Baby Falcons concluded their rollercoaster opening round with three wins and four losses. Mac Jenodia and Keefe Iledan paced Adamson anew, with the duo scoring 16 points apiece.

UE def. DLSZ, 64-60

Nabbing a crucial win to keep their balance in the Final Four hunt, University of the East overcame De La Salle Zobel, 64-60.

Trailing for most of the game, the Junior Red Warriors uncorked a 28-14 fourth quarter to steal the victory from DLSZ.

Ethan Aguas headlined the UE charge this game, putting together a double-double showing consisting of 16 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three blocks.

Sizco Roquid and Jolo Pascual also came up huge off the bench with 17 and 13 points, respectively.

With the UE win and Adamson and La Salle losses, the three teams are firmly placed in the chasing pack with a 3-4 record. 

Leading the Junior Archers in the scoring department against UE was Kio Favis, yielding 14 points. Nino Ferrer and Yusuf Mikailu also entered into double digits with 13 and 11 markers respectively, with the latter also crashing the glass with 12 rebounds.

NUNS def. UST, 74-62 (Girls)

To close out first round proceedings in the Girls division, NUNS outlasted UST, 74-62.

Last year’s finalists threw counters at each other throughout the four quarters, with the Lady Bullpups having the last say in the final canto.

Adin Rosano had her fingerprints all over the game against UST, generating 14 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, five steals, and one block. However, it was her fellow teammate Aubrey Lapasaran who led the game in scoring with 17 points.

Incurring their first defeat of the year, the Junior Tigresses were paced by Pia Petalcorin with 15 points. Starter Koukou Talla grabbed 11 rebounds to go along with her eight points.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News