DEFENDING champion National University Nazareth School, behind Reinhard Jumamoy’s 30-point outburst, staved off elimination with a 93-82 victory over No. 2 Far Eastern University-Diliman Tuesday in the UAAP Season 85 high school boys basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Final Four decider is at 4 p.m. on Friday at the San Juan arena with the winner facing early finalist Adamson University.
It was the Bullpups’ first win against the Baby Tamaraws that came at the most important part of the season.
“At least naka-isa kami sa FEU, sa wakas,” said NSNU coach Kevin de Castro. “Nothing is impossible.”
Jumamoy, who flirted with a triple-double with 13 rebounds and eight assists, hit the biggest basket of the game, a three-pointer in the final 2:05 that gave the Bullpups an 85-75 cushion.
In his first start, Elijah Yusi also lit up for NSNU with 23 points and grabbed eight boards. Pervi Timbang had 15 points and five rebounds while Jedrick Solomon had a double-double with 11 points and 11 boards.
“Para sa amin ito ang pinakamagandang game this season,” De Castro said.
John Rey Pasaol exploded for 32 points while Kirby Mongcopa had 11 points, nine boards, four blocks, and two steals for the Baby Tamaraws.
The Scores:
NUNS (93) — Jumamoy 30, Yusi 23, Timbang 15, Solomon 11, Colonia 8, Alfanta 4, Tagotongan 2, Herrera 0, Perciano 0.
FEU (82) — Pasaol 32, Mongcopa 11, Pre 8, Cabonilas 8, Felipe 8, Miranda 6, Salangsang 5, Daa 2, Pascual 2, Herbito 0.
Quarterscores: 24-22, 44-38, 67-65, 93-82
