National University Nazareth School will represent the Philippines in the NBA Rising Stars Invitational after sweeping the Philippine Qualifiers, capping off dominant Finals performances in front of San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, Saturday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Both the Bullpups, under head coach Kevin de Castro, and the Camilla Escoto-led Lady Bullpups—who previously settled for runner-up finishes in the UAAP Season 87 High School Basketball Tournaments—went undefeated in the inaugural tournament to earn the right to represent the country in Singapore from June 25 to 29.
The international tournament will feature top youth teams from 11 other countries across the Asia-Pacific.
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In the boys’ division, the Bullpups leaned on the explosive tandem of Shaun Lucido and Rob Celiz, who combined for 49 points, to exact revenge against the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs in a resounding 101-75 victory.
The win completed NU’s payback arc against UST, following their elimination of the Tiger Cubs from Final Four contention in the UAAP Season 87 High School 3×3 Basketball Tournament just a week prior at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque.
“We’re very happy kasi yung past tournaments namin sa UAAP, medyo hindi nag-favor sa amin, pero ‘yon nga sabi ko sa kanila, something to look forward itong tournament ng NBA. Sa next tournament sa Singapore, we’ll get better, we’ll compete, and let’s see kung saan kami dadalhin,” said De Castro.
Fueled by a dominant 56-37 first half, the Bullpups did not let up, building a commanding 78-47 lead in the third quarter—a margin UST could not recover from.
NU’s victory was anchored in their dominance on the boards (66-49) and ball movement, registering 24 assists to UST’s 16.
Lucido was named MVP of the boys’ division, finishing with 25 points, four rebounds, four assists, and a steal. Celiz followed closely with 24 points and six rebounds. Interior anchor Moussa Diakite added a double-double of 14 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks, and a steal. Andre Mann also contributed with 10 points and five boards in the title-clinching effort.
Despite the loss, UST’s Wacky Ludovice stood out with 26 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Lorenz Cinco chipped in 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Key contributors Andwele Cabanero and Dustin Bathan, who helped UST secure silver in the UAAP, finished with 10 points apiece.
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On the girls’ side, the Lady Bullpups made quick work of La Salle College-Antipolo, cruising to a 107-49 blowout in the Finals to complete a sweep of the three-team field.
“I’m very happy na panalo kami today. More than winning today, I think we have to immediately prepare for the Singapore [tournament] to represent the country in the best way that we can,” said Escoto.
The Lady Bullpups asserted their dominance across the board, outrebounding LSCA 70-42, dishing out 28 assists to LSCA’s 13, and forcing 22 steals compared to just five from their opponents. They also forced 31 turnovers and held the Antipolo-based squad to just 29.2% shooting (19-of-65) from the field.
Zuzzane Singson bagged MVP honors in the girls’ division after a monster double-double performance of 16 points, 18 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.
Ashley Trinidad led the offensive charge with 21 points on 10-of-15 shooting, alongside seven rebounds. Marielle Avila added 17 points, five assists, five steals, and two rebounds. Season 87 Mythical Five member Aubrey Lapasaran fired all of her 16 points in the first half, along with four assists, three rebounds, and a steal. Zaydhen Rosano and Guada Badajos also chipped in 11 points apiece.
For LSCA, Krizzy Eustaquio finished with 16 points, three assists, two rebounds, and two steals, while Rhaynha Roflo posted 14 points, seven rebounds, and three assists—though she also tallied 10 turnovers in the loss.
The championship matches served as a fitting sendoff for Jeremy Sochan’s five-day stay in the basketball-loving Philippines—his first visit to the country.
