National University Nazareth School may be closing in on another undefeated campaign, but the Bullpups feel determined to keep their eyes on the bigger prize as they continue their dominant run in the UAAP Season 89 high school boys’ 16-and-under basketball tournament.
Extending their winning streak to 25 games dating back to last season’s championship run, NUNS improved to a spotless 9-0 record. The team overcame a nine-point halftime deficit to beat University of Santo Tomas, 86-75, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday.
Despite the milestone, head coach Leo Pujante insisted that completing another sweep is not something the Bullpups discuss. He instead highlighted the importance of staying focused amid the pressure of defending their title.
“Wala naman, hindi naman namin iniisip. Hindi nga namin pinag-uusapan, ewan ko lang dito sa mga ‘to,” he said.
The Bullpups had to dig deep for their latest victory, with UST threatening to pull off an upset after building a nine-point lead at halftime and maintaining its advantage until the final quarter.
Pujante credited his players’ patience and composure as they gradually chipped away at the deficit. Still, he acknowledged that the pressure of sustaining their winning run may have affected them.
“‘Di ko alam kung na-pe-pressure na rin ‘tong mga bata na mag-sweep eh,” Pujante said.
NUNS had already been tested early in the second round, escaping with a narrow five-point victory over University of the East before facing the Growling Tigers.
Even as the competition intensifies, Pujante stressed that he has never brought up the possibility of another sweep to his players, knowing that every opponent is eager to hand the defending champions their first defeat.
“Wala, I don’t even mention it to them, ‘yung tungkol sa sweep. Kaya lang, hindi mo rin maalis na every team diyan, kami yung gustong talunin,” he added.
“Kung meron silang paghahandaan, kaming kami lang.”
With a target on their backs every game, the Bullpups must continue to bring the same intensity to practice that helped them capture last season’s crown.
Pujante emphasized that the team still has plenty of work to do before it can celebrate another championship. He has also warned his players against becoming complacent with their unbeaten record.
“We have to be aggressive competitively sa ensayo. Baka akala ng mga anak ko, champion na sila. Hindi pa naman. May pito pa bago mag-champion. Kaya they have to focus, get back in practice,” Pujante said.
Double-double machine Jesse Arellano echoed his coach’s sentiments, underscoring the importance of preparation as NUNS looks to sustain its momentum throughout the tournament.
“Kailangan lang talaga naming mag-focus sa loob ng court and sa practice. Sa practice kasi nagsisimula ’yung trabaho. Magta-trabaho kami para mag-champion,” Arellano added.
Arnold Flores Jr., meanwhile, acknowledged the pressure that comes with defending a championship after an undefeated campaign last season, but said the team remains committed to shutting out the noise and staying united.
“Maraming pressures actually, last year undefeated at champion, pero ‘di lang namin iniisip ‘yun,” Flores said.
The Bullpups also turn to their camaraderie away from the court to maintain team chemistry throughout their title defense.
“Ano lang, minsan may hangout-hangout kami sa dorm. Naghahanap kami ng mga kasayahan, team bonding,” Flores added.
With seven games remaining in the elimination round, NUNS remains firmly on course for another impressive campaign. But for Pujante and his Bullpups, the focus remains on the work ahead — not the 25-game winning streak or the prospect of another sweep, but the ultimate goal of bringing home another championship.
