In a hard-fought battle that came down to the wire, Chad Cartel proved to be the difference-maker as National University Nazareth School outlasted the University of Santo Tomas, 77-70, to move closer to clinching the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball championship, Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
An and-one layup by Senegalese forward Racine Kane kept the Tiger Cubs within striking distance at 72-68, but the 18-year-old guard from Iloilo delivered in the clutch for the Bullpups.
Following Kane’s basket, Cartel responded swiftly with a long two-pointer, then set up Mac Alfanta for a crucial basket that extended NUNS’ lead to 76-70 with 1:41 remaining.
UST had several opportunities to turn the tide, but saw four costly missed free throws from Kane and Buenaflor in the final four minutes.
Combined with missed three-point attempts by Wacky Ludovice and Kane in the closing seconds, those errors denied them the chance to inch closer to ending their 24-year title drought.
Aside from their strong offensive finish, the Bullpups’ defense proved pivotal, limiting the Tiger Cubs to just eight points on a dismal 3-of-14 shooting in the final period to secure the win.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Very crucial itong panalo sa Game 1. Makuha natin itong Game 1, maganda yung advantage natin coming into the next game [at] yung advantage, nandoon din. Ma-address ko lang yung credit ko sa mga bata, kita naman natin nung fourth quarter, talagang trinabaho nila para makuha nila itong panalo,” said Bullpups head coach Kevin de Castro.
The victory carried added significance for NUNS, as they avenged their lone defeat of the season — a 56-76 loss to UST last March 6 that denied them an outright Finals berth.
With this win, NUNS are now on the verge of claiming their eighth UAAP boys’ basketball title — and De Castro’s first championship — since Season 82 in 2019.
History favors the Bullpups, with seven of the previous nine Game 1 winners — and nine of the last 11 — ultimately securing the championship.
“May proper mindset dapat kami coming into Game 2. 0-0 ang utak namin next game. Job’s not done yet hangga’t hindi namin nakukuha yung second win para sa championship,” De Castro added.
“We’ll be ready, alam namin yung UST malaking adjustments yung gagawin, magpe-prepare yan sa amin at for sure, hindi yan papayag sa’min sa Game 2. Pero we’ll be ready. Dodoblehin or titriplehin namin yung ginawa namin today.”
Collins Akowe posted a dominant double-double — his first in three games — with 24 points, 22 rebounds, two assists, and one block. Meanwhile, Cartel contributed 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting with four rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
Despite struggling offensively (14 points on 5-of-21 shooting), Alfanta added seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Napa chipped in nine points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc with one rebound, one assist, and one steal.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the other hand, the Tiger Cubs now find themselves in a must-win situation. They will look to force a winner-take-all Game 3 after faltering in their first Finals appearance since Season 73 in 2010.
Kane paced UST in the defeat with 25 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks, three steals, and two assists, while Buenaflor contributed 15 points and seven rebounds.
Carl Manding added 12 points — nine from free throws — along with four rebounds, two steals, and one assist.
UST’s lead guards, co-captain Kirk Cañete (five points on 2-of-6 shooting) and Gilas Youth standout Ludovice, struggled to find their rhythm. Ludovice was held scoreless with four turnovers but contributed three assists and two rebounds.
The Bullpups aim to complete their redemption campaign when Game 2 tips off next Thursday, March 20, at the same San Juan venue.
The Scores:
NUNS (77) – Akowe 24, Alfanta 14, Cartel 14, Napa 9, Palanca 7, Locsin 6, Pillado 3, Matias 0, Nepacena 0, Usop 0, Solomon 0, Natinga 0, Figueroa 0.
UST (70) – Kane 25, Buenaflor 15, Manding 12, Esteban 6, Cañete 5, Acido 3, Bucsit 2, Cinco 2, Ludovice 0, Solon 0, Vidanes 0.
Quarterscores: 23-23, 38-36, 63-62, 77-70.
