Aubrey Lapasaran and National University Nazareth School successfully defended their 19-and-under girls division crown at the NBTC-Manila Live, once again besting Fil-Am Nation.
Exactly a week after their heartbreaking loss in the UAAP Season 88 Girls Basketball Finals to University of Santo Tomas, Lapasaran and the Lady Bullpups found redemption today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With a title to defend, NUNS delivered a dominant performance, overpowering the Fil-Ams 80-68.
Leading the charge was Lapasaran, determined to finish her high school career on a high note. She topped the scoring chart with 21 points in 27 minutes of action.
Her standout performance earned her the Most Outstanding Player award, a “cherry on top” for the Gilas Youth guard as she prepares to move on to the collegiate level.
“For now, sobrang saya po, and masaya ako na nagtapos ako sa high school career ko na panalo pa rin kami despite na fall short kami sa UAAP namin,” said Lapasaran, who averaged 9.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game en route to being named as the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.
The image of her teammates carrying her while lifting the championship trophy may have been her final moment as a Lady Bullpup, but her legacy was already cemented, having been named to the UAAP Elite Team just a week prior.
Lapasaran said this victory was a much-needed confidence boost heading into college and a source of optimism for the rest of the NUNS squad.
“So, way to go to para sa next station ko naman na college, college career naman. So, ayun, nag-gain lang ako ng confidence dito sa NBTC para magamit ko naman sa college career ko,” she added.
As of now, the 5-foot-2 guard has yet to announce her plans following graduation.
