UAAP: NUNS withstands FEU-D, DLSZ upsets Ateneo to shake up HS basketball standings

Last year’s finalists National University-Nazareth School sustained its hot form, defeating Far Eastern University-Diliman, 80-72, Wednesday in the UAAP Season 88 high school boys basketball tournament at the Filoil Centre in San Juan City.

This result against the Baby Tamaraws gave NUNS its sixth consecutive victory, good for a tournament-leading 8-2 record alongside FEU-D.

Despite losing their grip on a 20-point cushion in the final quarter, the Bullpups were able to pull away from FEU-D down the stretch thanks to clutch free throws from Miekho Natinga and Mot Matias.

Natinga finished the matchup with a productive 17 points, three rebounds, and two assists in over 17 minutes of action off the bench.

Meanwhile, Matias produced 12 points alongside fellow starters Shaun Lucido and Corian Cabantog’s 14 markers.

On the other side, this was FEU-D’s first loss since dropping their first round matchup to Ateneo de Manila University. 

Swingman Cabs Cabonilas paced the Tamawars with a double-double, scoring 17 points while also grabbing a game-high 16 boards 

UE def. UPIS, 94-61

University of the East kept in step with its Final Four adversaries, winning against University of the Philippines Integrated School, 94-61.

After a steady first quarter which saw them obtain an 11-point lead, the Junior Red Warriors exploded for 35 points in the subsequent canto to put the game out of UPIS’ reach.

Jamal Diaz continued to show his scoring prowess, dropping a team-high 20 points whilst only missing two shots the entire game. The guard also chipped in six rebounds and three assists.

Similar to his teammates' efficient showing from the field, Eoin Braga also contributed 14 points on 77.8% (7-9 FG) from the field.

For UPIS, it experienced their 10th defeat in as many games this season. Jhustin Hallare and Bruce Tubongbanua carried on their prolific individual performances this season, scoring 21 and 17 points respectively.

UST def. ADU, 75-73

Titleholders University of Santo Tomas bounced back from its weekend loss to NUNS, edging Adamson University, 75-73.

Kirk Cañete led his team in the scoring department with 14 points, helping the Tiger Cubs notch their fourth win of the year. The forward also had six rebounds, five assists, and two steals to his name.

Ola Ajani imposed his height inside the interior, gobbling up 16 rebounds. The Tiger Cubs center, alongside Jetlee Melano, contributed 11 points each.

Joaquin Ludovice, who despite only scoring nine points, orchestrated the UST squad with a team-high three assists.

On the other hand, Adamson suffered its sixth loss of the season. Jarl Artango led the Baby Falcons’ offense today with 18 points. Francel Flores swiftly followed suit with 14 markers of his own.

DLSZ def. Ateneo, 79-69

Concluding the day with a rivalry game, De La Salle Zobel claimed solo fourth place in the standings after a huge win over Ateneo, 80-72. 

After getting outscored by Ateneo in the third quarter, 19-10, the Junior Archers pulled away in the fourth quarter after clutch shotmaking from Maco Dabao, Mark Borrero, and Nino Ferrer.

Being the lead gunner of Zobel for most of the tournament so far, Dabao erupted yet again with 24 points to help his team improve to an even 5-5 win-loss card.

The guard from Parañaque also made his presence felt in other facets of the game, dishing out five assists and grabbing three boards.

Borrero and Ferrer stepped up as well in today’s win against the Blue Eagles, steadily pitching in 14 and 13 points respectively.

Meanwhile, with the loss, Ateneo fell to 7-3; good for third place in the current team standings. Center Jude Eriobu had himself another double-double with 25 points and 15 rebounds.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News