The NU Bullpups will have a daunting task ahead of them as they face FilAm Sports USA in the Elite 8 of the 2018 Exped SM NBTC National Finals on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The fifth-ranked Bullpups are coming off an impressive 98-74 win over the Adamson Baby Falcons in their Sweet 16 matchup on Tuesday. Gerry Abadiano tallied 13 points while Cyril Gonzales chipped in with 12 points for the UAAP Juniors runners-up.
NU is now on a collision course with Number 13 Filam Sports USA. The Filipino-American squad have been dominating their opposition in the National Finals and are fresh from delivering a 102-68 beating against the University of Visayas.
Top US high school prospect Jalen Green once again displayed his eye-catching athleticism, wowing the crowd with electrifying dunks and high-flying moves. Green finished with 21 points but teammate Brandon Wilson led the scoring for the Filipino-Americans with 31 points and 10 rebounds.
Jearoland Omandac top-scored for UV with 12 points while Joshua Yerro tallied nine points and eight boards. Fiery point guard Steve Nash Enriquez added five assists for his squad and showed no fear against his taller opponents.
Six other games were slated on Tuesday as the remaining teams went to battle in the quest to entire the Elite 8.
Sacred Heart School Magis Eagles bested Hope Christian High School, 70-63. Travis Mantua led the way for the Magis Eagles with 20 points. For Hope, Harvey Pagsanjan struggled with a 5-of-18 shooting clip to end up with only 16 points after scoring 35 points in his previous outing.
With the win by Ateneo de Cebu, they will have the luxury of facing their sister school Ateneo de Manila Blue Eaglets. The UAAP Juniors Season 80 champions Eaglets had no problem in winning over the Australia-based team AusPinoy, 74-55 as SJ Belangel notched 15 points.
NCAA Juniors titlists La Salle Green Hills were victorious in their matchup against Lyceum of the Philippines Cavite, 84-77. Joshua Marcos spearheaded the Greenies attack with 24 points while going 8-for-13 from the floor.
La Salle will face a familiar foe in the San Beda Red Cubs as their next opponent. San Beda is coming off a 74-72 squeaker over the San Sebastian Staglets as Jade Talampas put up 21 points and eight rebounds.
Mapua Red Robins also entered the Elite 8 after getting the 78-70 decision over Durham Crossover Canada. Dan Archers had 21 points for Mapua while Matthew Daves’ 27-point output was not enough for Canada. Mapua will shift their attention to Chaing Kai Shek who pounced on Letran, 78-72. Ferdinand Asuncion and Frederic Antiporda combined for 27 points in the win.
The 2018 Exped SM NBTC National Finals Elite 8 will be on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
