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ADMU

NU pounds FEU to open title defense, Lopez and Lazaro shine for post-Sotto Ateneo


National University-Nazareth School opened its title defense in the UAAP Season 82 Boys’ Basketball Tournament in style, dominating FEU-Diliman, 64-49, Wednesday at the Paco Arena. 

Even with team captain Gerry Abadiano absent in their season opener, the Bullpups showed their might. Reyland Torres posted a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao combining for 25 points and 17 rebounds.

After falling behind, 2-7, early, Tamayo’s came off the bench to energize the defending champions in a 12-2 run to take the lead, 14-9.

The Baby Tamaraws then charged back to retake the lead, 20-18, in the middle of the second quarter. But NU responded with 15 unanswered points to swing momentum back in its favor for a score of 33-20 early in the third period.

The Bullpups put it on cruise control from there, en route to a statement win to open its title defense.

Ernest Felicilda also contributed two points, nine rebounds, and four assists to help steady the ship in Abadiano’s absenc,e all while spearheading a defense that forced 26 turnovers which were quickly converted into 26 points.

“‘Yung depensa namin played a big role sa panalo namin today,” said head coach Goldwin Monteverde, since his defense allowed only one FEU-Diliman player to score in double-digits. Jorick Bautista had 13 .

Abadiano was serving a one-game suspension due to his ejection in Game 2 of last year’s Finals.

UAAP-82-Jrs-ADMU-vs.-ADU-Lopez-4689 NU pounds FEU to open title defense, Lopez and Lazaro shine for post-Sotto Ateneo ADMU AdU Basketball DLSU FEU News NU UAAP UE UP UST  - philippine sports news
Meanwhile, playing its first game without 7-foot-2, 17-year-old Kai Sotto, Ateneo pulled through for a 69-61 gutsy win over Adamson.

Transferees Josh Lazaro and Lebron Lopez made an immediate impact. They joined forces with returnee Ian Espinosa for eight unanswered points that broke a 50-all tie then built up a 58-50 lead for the Blue Eaglets at the 6:56 mark of the final frame.

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The Baby Falcons again neared to just down two, 56-58, but Lazaro, Lopez, and Miggy Salvador turned them back for good with seven straight points.

Lazaro finished with an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double. Meanwhile, Lopez had 14 points and seven rebounds to make sure Ateneo was a winner as it moved forward minus last year’s MVP.

Espinosa also added 17 points, as Forthsky Padrigao top-scored with 18 points alongside seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals

Adamson simply ran out gas in the endgame even after an 18-point debut for John Erolon.

UAAP-82-Jrs-DLSZ-vs.-UPIS-Dalisay-4509 NU pounds FEU to open title defense, Lopez and Lazaro shine for post-Sotto Ateneo ADMU AdU Basketball DLSU FEU News NU UAAP UE UP UST  - philippine sports news
Also off to a strong start is La Salle Zobel, which rode a 33-point first quarter all the way to an 84-72 triumph over UPIS.

Rookie John Dalisay waxed hot with eight triples for a total of 28 points. Meanwhile, Kean Baclaan, formerly of San Sebastian, impressed as well with 23 points on top of 10 rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

UAAP-82-Jrs-UE-vs.-UST-Oliva-5346 NU pounds FEU to open title defense, Lopez and Lazaro shine for post-Sotto Ateneo ADMU AdU Basketball DLSU FEU News NU UAAP UE UP UST  - philippine sports news

Completing the cast of winners in opening day is UST, which downed UE, 86-76.

The Jr. Maroons and the Jr. Warriors start the season at 0-1 with their respective losses.


The Scores:

First Game:
DLSZ 84 – Dalisay 28, Baclaan 23, Quimado 8, Omer 8, Del Mundo 6, Milan 4, Tupas 4, Macasaet 2, Villarin 0, Unisa 0, Sevilla 0, Luna 0, Lawrence 0.
UPIS 72 – Torres 19, Galotera 19, Canillas 13, Torculas 10, Gomez de Liano 7, Armamento 4, Napalang 0, Jacob 0, Avinado 0.
Quarterscores: 33-14, 50-36, 68-60, 84-72.

Second Game:
AHS 69 – Padrigao 18, Espinosa 17, Lopez 14, Lazaro 11, Salvador M 4, De Ayre 3, Salvador G 2, Jaymalin 0, Ladimo 0, Rubiato 0, Pangilinan 0, Corral 0.
ADU 61 – Erolon 18, Cosal 11, Figueroa 7, Timbancaya 6, Tulabut 4, Quinal 3, Barcelona 3, Hanapi 2, Nitura 2, Ignacio 2, Dominguez 2, Guarino 1, Ocangas 0, Abdulla 0.
Quarterscores: 21-11, 37-31, 50-48, 69-61.

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Third Game:
NU 64 Torres 17, Tamayo 13, Quiambao 12, Fortea 6, Mailim 4, Alarcon 3, Buensalida 3, Abiera 2, Felicilda 2, Laure 2, Enriquez 0, Tulabut 0.
FEU-D 49 – Bautista 13, Sleat 8, Bagunu 6, Anonuevo 5, Estacio 5, Padrones 4, Saldua 4, Buenaventura 2, Libago 2, Mantua 0, Pasaol 0.
Quarterscores: 14-11, 30-20, 51-39, 64-49.

Fourth Game:
UST 86 – Oliva 16, Cortez 16, Montemayor 12, Escoto 9, Salazar 9, Maliwat 9, Villarez 8, Bugarin 3, Biag 2, Calivozo 2, Ascutia 0, Bautista 0.
UE 76 – Austria 21, Montecalvo 20, Ortiz 12, Cabili 7, Marasigan 6, Cruz 4, Maximo 3, Caliwag 2, Serrano 1, Juan 0, Castillo 0, Mara 0, Montecastro 0.
Quarterscores: 18-16, 36-34, 62-56, 86-76.

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