Behind another dominant performance from Malian center Moussa Diakite, National University Nazareth School completed a first-round sweep of the UAAP Season 88 Juniors Basketball Tournament, routing Ateneo de Manila University, 99-74, Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas edged Adamson University 87-86 to break away from a four-way tie and close the first round on a three-game winning streak.
NUNS sits comfortably atop the standings with a 7-0 record and an average winning margin of 21.14 points, followed by UST at 5-2 in second place.
Far Eastern University-Diliman and University of the East share third and fourth spots with identical 4-2 slates, with the two squads facing off on Sunday.
Adamson (4-3) and Ateneo (2-5) dropped to fifth and sixth, respectively.
Meanwhile, De La Salle Zobel and UP Integrated School — both in search of their first wins — also square off on Sunday.
After a close start, with Ateneo pulling within 31-29 midway through the second quarter off a jumper by Domeng Ngo, the Bullpups unleashed a 15-9 run led by Max Romero, Diakite, and Mark Arzola to create separation.
Diakite then took full control after halftime, dropping 11 points in the third quarter alone. He helped spark a relentless offensive barrage from Ian Manalo, David Sabareza, Lalong-Isip, Clark Khobuntin, Arzola, Romero, and Nick Peña, blowing the game wide open. A
Jaypee Yanga’s layup later gave NUNS its biggest lead at 88-54 in the fourth period.
Despite being subbed out with six seconds left in the third and sitting the entire fourth quarter, Diakite still posted a monster stat line: 28 points, 19 rebounds, and three blocks.
Peña followed with 14 points, while Khobuntin added a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds. Arzola contributed all-around numbers with 12 points, 11 assists, and three steals.
Having guided his team to an unbeaten first round, head coach Leo Pujante reminded his players to stay sharp entering the next phase.
“We still have to be competitive sa ensayo. Hindi kami pwede mag-relax. Kailangan hard work kami,” said Pujante, “Sabi ko, you have to respect your opponent every game, kahit malakas yan o mahina.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In the second game, Miguel Jubilado helped the Tiger Cubs secure their third straight win by drilling a clutch three-pointer that gave them an 86-78 cushion with 2:23 remaining.
The Baby Falcons mounted a furious rally, as Seb Esma scored consecutive baskets to trim the deficit to 82-86 with 1:34 left.
After several missed opportunities from both sides, Keefy Iledan’s layup brought Adamson within two, 84-86, prompting UST to call a timeout with 18.6 seconds remaining.
On the ensuing play, Wayne Anggot turned the ball over to Esma, who missed a potential game-tying layup. Jubilado was then fouled by Alison Jordan and split his free throws to give UST an 87-84 lead.
Jordan answered with a layup to bring Adamson within one, 87-86, with seven seconds left. Fran Flores then fouled CJ Tabbuga, who missed both free throws. Time expired before Adamson could attempt another shot, though, allowing the Tiger Cubs to escape with the narrow victory.
“Nung preparation kasi namin dito, talagang diniin namin sa mindset namin na very crucial ‘tong game na ‘to kasi tabla-tabla kami sa two eh. Winning this game, mapupunta kami sa number two spot, medyo at least pagdating sa second round, maluwag para sa amin,” said UST assistant coach JM Lagumen.
“Di kami masyado tight para umangat-angat ulit, at ayaw din namin dumating sa point na aasa kaming matalo yung ibang teams para umangat lang din kami. Tinrabaho talaga ito ng mga bata kaya props to them also na hindi sila sumuko hanggang dulo.”
Jubilado led the Tiger Cubs with 21 points, five assists, and three rebounds, while Dats Datu and Cab Castro chipped in 14 points each. Tabbuga came close to a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds.
Rowie Cabañero achieved one with 11 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For the Baby Falcons, Flores led the way with 17 points and eight assists, while Iledan impressed with 16 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Edison Jordan added 13 points, and Majiq Padrejuan and Kyle Abas scored 10 apiece.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In the earlier matchup, Sky Jazul topscored for Ateneo with 25 points, while Ngo and Jude Ylen contributed 14 and 12, respectively.
The Scores:
First Game
NUNS (99) – Diakite 28, Peña 14, Khobuntin 13, Arzola 12, Sabareza 7, Liwanag 7, Romero 5, Geron 4, Manalo 3, Gatumbato 2, Lalong-Isip 2, Yanga 2, Sinda 0, Enriquez 0, Santiago 0.
Ateneo (74) – Jazul 25, Ngo 14, Ylen 12, Divinagracia 8, Bernarte 8, Dela Rosa 7, Cayabyab 0, Castro 0, Fresnido 0, David 0, G. Yoro 0, M. Yoro 0, Hwang 0.
Quarterscores: 24-20, 46-38, 76-48, 99-74.
Second Game
UST (87) – Jubilado 21, Datu 14, Castro 14, Tabbuga 13, Cabañero 11, Regala 5, Retaga 5, Anggot 4, Villacarlos 0, Dueñas 0, Guinto 0.
AdU (86) – Flores 17, Iledan 16, E. Jordan 13, Padrejuan 10, Abas 10, Esma 8, Vargas 6, Vengco 4, A. Jordan 2, Del Monte 0, Maycong 0.
Quarterscores: 24-24, 45-45, 67-66, 87-86.
