Slowly but surely, National University Nazareth School is learning from the costly mistake that derailed its UAAP Season 86 championship run.
Despite the sheer dominance of Collins Akowe, the Bullpups fell short against the depth of the reigning champions, the Adamson Baby Falcons, in a grueling three-game series.
That difference ultimately decided the outcome, as Adamson secured its first UAAP boys’ basketball title in 31 years.
Determined to reclaim the crown, NUNS head coach Kevin de Castro has emphasized the need for his local players to step up alongside 19-year-old Nigerian center Collins Akowe in the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Tournament. With stronger support around Akowe, the Bullpups completed a first-round sweep, punctuated by a 73-60 victory in a rematch of last season’s finals against Adamson on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
This time, depth was on NU’s side. The Bullpups’ supporting cast stepped up and backed their reigning MVP, dismantling Adamson in what was expected to be a tightly contested showdown.
Leading the charge was Mac Alfanta, who delivered 15 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Migs Palanca followed with 11 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, while Chad Cartel contributed nine points on an efficient 4-of-6 shooting, along with three rebounds and two assists.
Akowe, as consistent as ever, notched his seventh double-double in as many games, finishing with 14 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and a block.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Very happy at least kahit papaano nakakapag-provide na yung bench at locals namin. Big boost para sa amin at sana magpatuloy ito papuntang second round. Sabi ko nga sa dati kong interview, doon kami nalugi sa depth last year, pero ngayon, naiintindihan na nila na teamwork is important,” De Castro told Tiebreaker Times.
“Dapat hindi pa sila maging relaxed kasi hindi pa namin totally naa-achieve yung gusto namin ma-achieve. This season, redemption season talaga ito. Kailangan kung ano yung nasuffer natin last year, ‘yon yung motivation natin para makuha natin ang title this season,” he continued.
Palanca, a 6-foot-6 center from Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, echoed De Castro’s sentiments, expressing his commitment to refining his game to better support Akowe and help the Bullpups reclaim the UAAP boys’ basketball crown.
Throughout the first round, Palanca has provided valuable contributions in the frontcourt alongside Akowe, averaging 8.71 points, 6.71 rebounds, and 0.71 blocks.
“Gawin ko lang yung role ko kasi alam ko naman si Collins, talagang scorer yan eh. Susuportahan ko lang siya with my role, which is sa rebound, mapa-opensa man yan o defensive rebound, pati na rin sa depensa,” Palanca shared.
“Sa first half, sobrang aggressive namin, pero sa second half, nag-relax kami. Pati ako, nag-relax. Para sa consistency ng team namin, kailangan maganda yung depensa tapos kasabay niyan, dapat on point din yung opensa namin,” he concluded.
