UAAP: NUNS sets up finals duel vs FEU-D after Final Four victory over DLSZ

National University Nazareth School will have another crack at the elusive UAAP boys basketball crown as they advanced to their third straight finals appearance after claiming victory over De La Salle Zobel in the Final Four, 75-70, Sunday at the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagle Gym.

Eager to avenge their finals losses in the past couple of seasons, NUNS pulled away from the Green Archers in the concluding actions of the fourth quarter.

The top-seeded team this season was spearheaded today by big man Moussa Diakite’s 14 points and 13 rebounds.

“I’m very happy first. I [just] listen to my teammates and coaches, and I help my team. I will prepare for the finals,” said Diakite.

Crediting their adversaries while also commending his boys for their resilience, NUNS head coach Kevin de Castro said that today’s clash lived up to his expectations. 

“'Yun naman 'yung hinahanap ko sa kanila, ito 'yung game na playoff eh, kumbaga kung ano 'yung na-achieve ninyo nung first round, second round, wala na yun…sa playoffs, dun lumalabas 'yung big time players,” asserted the NUNS tactician.

“Credit sa Zobel, binigyan kami ng good fight…Yung game na ‘to lesson lang ulit para sa amin. Though medyo hindi satisfying win, 'yung resiliency, 'yung composure nung huli, nandun,” added de Castro

Chad Cartel, Sean Lucido, Mot Matias also entered double digits, chalking up 13, 11, and 10 points respectively.

Down by a point after Maco Dabao’s layup, the trifecta of Kurl Figueroa, Diakite, and Matias scored three straight baskets to pull ahead by five with one minute remaining, 72-67.

Diakite subsequently iced the game in favor of the Bullpups by making two free throws after gobbling an offensive rebound off a Matias miss from the charity stripe, 75-70.

Meanwhile, entering the Final Four for the first time since Season 79, the Green Archers broke their streak of three straight sixth place finishes.

The graduating Dabao gave his best efforts against the Bullpups, uncorking a game-high 23 points with five assists and four rebounds. Off the bench, Niño Ferrer had 17 points on 50% shooting from three (5/10 3PM).

—JKC, GMA Integrated News