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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
