Reigning titlist National University-Nazareth School preserved its immaculate record after disposing Adamson University, 82-60, Wednesday in the UAAP Season 82 Boys’ Basketball Tournament at Paco Arena.
The Bullpups launched a balanced attack, with seven players scoring at least six points led by Steve Nash Enriquez and Terrence Fortea’s 13 points.
“Maganda na nabigyan namin ng exposure lahat ng players namin this early,” said Bullpups head coach Goldwin Monteverde, who earlier in the day was named as the head coach of the Bulldogs. “Malaking tulong sa amin ito moving forward.”
NU used a strong first half to create a 19-point separation at halftime, 42-23.
The Baby Falcons only made 22 of 82 shots, including just one conversion from downtown in 31 attempts.
Ruzzell Dominguez had 17 markers and seven boards for Adamson.
In the curtain-raiser, FEU-Diliman dealt Ateneo its first loss of the tourney, 82-75.
Jorick Bautista unloaded 23 points, Penny Estacio tallied 22 markers, four dimes and four steals, Chiolo Anonuevo got 11 points and 14 rebounds for the Baby Tamaraws.
Forthsky Padrigao paced Ateneo with 26 points, nine steals, five boards, and four assists. Lebron Lopez added 18 markers, 14 boards, and five blocks while Josh Lazaro chipped in 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas got back on the winning track after crushing University of the Philippines Integrated School, 102-59.
It was a total team effort by the Tiger Cubs as 11 players scored at least six points led by Rafael Biag’s 16 points while Jan Villarez had a double-double of 12 markers and 12 boards.
Ray Torres’ 24 points and 10 rebounds went for naught as the Junior Maroons dropped to 0-3.
Ranz Unisa drilled the game-winner as De La Salle-Zobel closed the day with a 75-74 squeaker over winless University of the East.
FEU, UST, DLSZ, and Ateneo are on a four-way logjam for second spot behind 2-1 win-loss slates.
The Scores
First Game:
FEU 82 – Bautista 23, Estacio 22, Anonuevo 11, Pasaol 9, Bagunu 8, Sleat 5, Padrones 2, Basilio 2, Buenaventura 0, Saldua 0, Libago 0.
AHS 75 – Padrigao 26, Lopez 18, Lazaro 15, Espinosa 13, Corral 3, Salvador 0, De Ayre 0, Ladimo 0, Felix 0, Salvador 0, Jaymalin 0, Nieto 0, Rubiato 0.
Quarterscores: 29-10, 48-34, 68-55, 82-75.
Second Game:
UST 102 – Biag 16, Villarez 12, Bugarin 9, Calivozo 8, Montemayor 7, Escoto 7, Pabingwit 7, Bautista 7, Ascutia 6, Cortez 6, Salazar 6, Jalbuena 5, Maliwat 4, Oliva 2.
UPIS 59 – Torres 24, Galotera 11, Armamento 6, Dimaculangan 5, Torculas 4, Canillas 4, Jacob 2, Villaverde 2, Avinado 1, Lopez 0, Abreu 0, Napalang 0, Cordero 0.
Quarterscores: 31-12, 55-20, 80-39, 102-59.
Third Game:
NU 82 – Fortea 13, Enriquez 13, Tamayo 10, Abadiano 8, Abiera 7, Duremdes 7, Torres 6, Felicida 5, Lantaya 4, Laure 4, Tulabut 2, Quiambao 1, Buensalida 1, Alarcon 1, Songcuya 0, Mailim 0.
AdU 60 – Dominguez 17, Figueroa 11, Timbancaya 10, Guarino 6, Cosal 4, Quinal 3, Ignacio 3, Barcelona 2, Hanapi 2, Erolon 1, Tulabut 1, Nitura 0, Ocangcas 0, Gonzaga 0, Abdulla 0.
Quarterscores: 22-10, 42-23, 59-38, 82-60.
Fourth Game:
DLSZ 75 – Baclaan 24, Unisa 15, Milan 6, Quimado 6, Omer 6, Tupas 6, Villarin 5, Macasaet 4, Del Mundo 3, Dalisay 0, Luna 0.
UE 74 – Cruz 12, Maximo 12, Austria 11, San Juan 11, Cabili 10, Caliwag 6, Ortiz 6, Marasigan 4, Serrano 2, Castillo 0, Montecalvo 0, Montecastro 0, Peralta 0, Tan 0.
Quarterscores: 17-15, 36-31, 57-53, 75-74.