UAAP: NUNS beats Ateneo as FEU-Diliman claims solo lead in HS standings

National University-Nazareth School opened their UAAP boys basketball round two account with a huge statement win, defeating Ateneo de Manila University, 81-78, last Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila City.

A back-and-forth affair for almost the entire game, it was last year’s finalists who pulled away in the fourth quarter to give them their sixth win of the season.

Shaun Lucido had himself an impressive scoring output, notching a game-high 23 points to help the Bullpups get level with the Blue Eagles in the team standings at six wins and two losses. The young cager also grabbed eight rebounds in the victory.

Moussa Diakite and Chad Cartel also played pivotal roles in the bout against Ateneo, with the big man chalking up a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, while NUNS’ sharpshooter contributed 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Meanwhile for Ateneo, Unri Madrangca and Ziv Espinas shared the offensive load in this game, with both players scoring 18 points apiece.

Center and statistical points leader Jude Eriobu had himself a quiet performance in comparison to his previous outings, only scoring 13 points while producing 13 rebounds and five blocks.

FEU def. DLSZ, 69-61

Taking their seventh win and the solo lead in the standings, Far Eastern University-Diliman conquered DLSZ, 69-61.

Khean Esperanza and Jb Cagurungan paced the Baby Tamaraws in the win against the Junior Archers, scoring 17 and 12 points each.

Despite a silent scoring game, only reaching six points, Baby Tamaraw stalwart Cabs Cabonilas contributed in other areas of the floor–crashing the glass with five rebounds and dishing out three assists.

Over on the other side, La Salle dropped their fifth game of the year and found themselves tied with UE and UST. Maco Dabao and Nino Ferrer spearheaded La Salle in the scoring department with 15 and 13 markers respectively.

UST def. UE, 60-57

Opening up second round festivities in the Boys division, defending champions University of Santo Tomas overcame University of the East, 60-57.

Needing a win to stay within striking distance of a Final Four slot, UST addressed a 10-point deficit in the first quarter to grab their third win this season.

The España-based squad got their scoring from numerous players, with Ola Ajani’s 13 points and 16 rebounds spearheading the way.

Carhles Esteban, Simon Pulongbarit, and Jetlee Melano swiftly followed their big man, racking up 11, 10, and nine markers respectively.

On the other hand, UE dropped to a 3-5 win-loss record, tying UST and De La Salle Zobel in the standings. Guard Jamal Diaz led the Junior Red Warriors versus the Tiger Cubs with 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

ADU def. UPIS, 72-64

Keeping a stronghold on their Final Four position, Adamson University collected their fourth win of the tournament after defeating University of the Philippines Integrated School, 72-64.

The Baby Falcons did their offensive damage through committee against UPIS, with six players encoding seven points or more. Leading the way were Keefe Iledan and Kevin Frogoso with 13 and 12 points each.

Ildean also produced on the defensive end, grabbing two rebounds, one steal, and a block.

Off the bench, Renzy Saygo obtained nine points and four rebounds to help his team improve to a balanced 4-4 record.

Meanwhile, despite staying winless, UPIS have found their constant shining light in Bruce Tubongbanua. UPIS’ marksman dropped 33 points on an uber-efficient 12-16 (75.0%) shooting clip from the field.

NUNS def. DLSZ, 82-62 (Girls) 

In the Girls division, NUNS stayed unblemished after a controlled win over a spirited DLSZ squad, 82-62.

Aubrey Lapasaran stuffed the stat sheet against La Salle, scoring 14 points while also obtaining six assists, four rebounds, and five steals.

Adin Rosano replicated her teammates’ level of production, also racking up 14 points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals.

For the Junior Lady Archers, it was Ima Navarro who spearheaded them anew, generating a game-high 22 points coupled with six rebounds and a blocked shot.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News