Defending champion National University rallied in the fourth quarter to overcome University of Santo Tomas, 86-75, and extend its unbeaten run in the UAAP Season 89 High School Boys’ 16-and-under Basketball Tournament on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
With the victory, NUNS extended its winning streak to a historic 25 games dating back to Season 88, remaining unbeaten at 9-0 and sitting alone atop the standings.
“Maraming pressures actually, ‘di lang namin iniisip ‘yun,” said Arnold Flores Jr. on the Bullpups’ title defense and ongoing winning streak.
The Junior Tiger Cubs created separation late in the second quarter after a 29-all deadlock, unleashing an 8-0 run behind Miguel Austria, who had already recorded a double-double by halftime.
NUNS cut the deficit to two points on an Andrie Lopez triple, but Wayne Anggot answered from beyond the arc to give UST a 60-55 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The Bullpups, however, turned the tide with an 11-5 run to open the final frame and reclaim the lead. They then withstood another UST rally that trimmed their advantage to just one point, 66-65.
Flores, Aaron Dalanan, and Ron Mayor combined for NU’s final 20 points as the Bullpups dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Junior Tiger Cubs, 31-15, to seal the victory.
“Sabi ko nga noong halftime, kaya namin ‘yun. Kasi kahit pangit laro namin, nine points lang ‘yung lamang,” said NUNS head coach Leo Pujante. “Paunti-unti, possession by possession, hahabulin namin. Ayun, nagawa naman ng mga bata.”
Six Bullpups finished in double figures, led by Flores with 18 points and five rebounds. Jesse Arellano also delivered a double-double with 13 points and 17 rebounds.
Dwayne Enriquez filled the stat sheet with 12 points, nine assists, and eight steals, while Lopez added 12 points. Dalanan and Mayor chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, De La Salle Zobel returned to the win column later in the day, outlasting University of the Philippines Integrated School, 79-64.
The Junior Archers bounced back from an 82-76 loss to Far Eastern University-Diliman last Saturday to improve to 6-3 in the standings.
“We could be better consistently, but I think overall it’s okay na we learn from this game and hopefully, we can use this as a springboard na lang moving forward,” said La Salle head coach Hyram Bagatsing.
“I think we just kind of woke up from the slump we were having. We took the challenge that we had to finish that game strong,” he added.
Despite Zandro Lugatiman’s explosive 20-point first half, the Junior Archers maintained a slim 43-39 lead at halftime through a balanced scoring effort.
DLSZ struggled to shake off UPIS, with Lugatiman continuing to deliver timely baskets to keep the Junior Fighting Maroons within striking distance throughout the third quarter.
The Junior Archers finally pulled away in the fourth, outscoring UPIS, 20-8, to secure the win.
With UPIS relying on a shortened eight-man rotation, DLSZ took advantage of its deeper bench to pull away in the final period.
“You know, in training, we just try to do our best, follow our coaches’ instructions. We just always give our 100 percent,” said Mikko Noel, who led La Salle with 20 points, seven rebounds, and four steals.
Ice Purugganan added 13 points and four rebounds for DLSZ.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Austria led UST with a double-double of 19 points and 16 rebounds in the losing effort. Bathan contributed 17 points, while Anggot finished with 15.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Lugatiman paced UPIS with a game-high 29 points, six rebounds, and six steals. Hubert Bautista added 11 points, while Dominic Labao chipped in 10.
The defeat extended UST’s losing streak to three games, dropping the Junior Tiger Cubs to 3-5 and fifth place in the standings.
UPIS, meanwhile, fell to 2-7 after suffering its second consecutive loss.
The Scores:
First Game:
NU 86 — Flores 18, Arellano 13, Enriquez 12, Lopez 12, Dalanan 11, Mayor 10, Cano 7, Tundag 2, Genido 1, Macoy 0, Garcia 0.
UST 75 — Austria 19, Bathan 17, Anggot 15, Eusebio 7, Duenas 6, Umbana 2, Cuello 2, Esusan 2, Retaga 0, Abototo 0.
Quarterscores: 22-17, 34-43, 55-60, 86-75.
Second Game:
DLSZ 79 — Noel 20, I. Purugganan 13, Santiago 9, Villaruz 8, Paceno 8, Quillo 7, Mercado 5, E. Purugganan 5, Enriquez 4, Francisco 0, Tabu 0, Buenafe 0.
UPIS 64 — Lugatiman 29, Bautista 11, Labao 10, David 8, Santos 3, Floirendo 3, Sebastian 0, Romey 0.
Quarterscores: 25-18, 43-39, 59-56, 79-64.
