UAAP: MVP Cabs Cabonilas shines in crunch time as FEU-D draws first blood vs NUNS

Far Eastern University-Diliman moved a win away from the UAAP Season 88 boys basketball title after defeating National University Nazareth School in a close Game 1 bout, 77-73, Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

Cabs Cabonilas proved his worth as Most Valuable Player, leading the Baby Tamaraws on both sides of the ball during clutch time.

The forward drilled in a three-pointer to give FEU-D a four-point cushion with 15 seconds left on the game clock.

Cabonilas also provided on the defensive end, swatting away Shaun Lucido’s three point attempt in the following possession.

“Sabi ko sa sarili ko ipaglalaban ko 'yung team ko kahit anong mangyari sa akin. Hindi ako susuko para makuha namin 'yung panalo,” acclaimed Cabonilas.

The six-foot-five swingman finished game one with game-highs of 19 points and 16 rebounds, while also churning out three assists, two blocks, and a steal.

“We give the ball to Cabs because he will not force shots. [He] will make the right decisions. When you have a main man, he can score and make the right decision…and his teammates helped him siyempre,” said Baby Tamaraws head coach Mike Reyes on Cabonilas’ heroics in the fourth quarter.

The triumvirate of Khean Esperanza, Assan Gaye, and Sam Hall each produced 12 points in the victory against NUNS. Foreign Student-Athlete Gaye also anchored FEU-D’s interior with a game-high three blocks.

Meanwhile, Lucido and Mot Matias paced the Bullpups in scoring today with 19 and 16 markers respectively.

FEU-D will look to close out the series in game two on Thursday, March 26, in the same venue.

In the Girls’ division, University of Santo Tomas succeeded in claiming back-to-back titles after fending off National University, 76-74.

Graduating player Janice Oczon finished her high school stint with a double-double, leading UST with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Meanwhile, season and finals MVP Riri Perez swiftly followed suit with an overall statline of 12 points, eight rebounds, three steals, two assists, and two blocks.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News