Threepeat-seeking Nazareth School of National University turned to its reserves to overwhelm University of Santo Tomas, 84-58, and stretch its winning run to 29 games Wednesday in the UAAP Season 85 high school boys basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Reinhard Jumamoy took the scoring mantle anew with 17 points, as the Bullpups got 30 points from their bench, with Pervi Timbang producing 13.
“Kulang pa, marami pang kailangang ayusin, lalo na ang first group medyo flat eh. Mabuti at nag-step up ang second group, pati yung third group,” said first-year mentor Kevin de Castro as NSNU moved in a tie with Far Eastern University in first place at 2-0.
Later, LeBron Nieto fired a career-high 36 points as Ateneo routed UP Integrated School, 109-64, to enter the win column.
The Bullpups used a 26-point second quarter to erect a 39-21 lead and led by as much as 32 points in the second half.
“At least kahit paano, nabigyan nila ng boost yung team namin. Doon nakalayo, yung second at third unit namin,” said De Castro after his team followed up last Sunday’s close win over Adamson University.
Recording a game-high plus-36 efficiency, Nieto also had 11 rebounds, four steals, and three assists before leaving in the final period due to a right ankle sprain.
From being the youngest player in the league three years ago to being one of the leaders, the victory turned out to be Nieto’s coming-out party.
“The whole team is looking up to him. Siya na yung kuya,” said Ateneo coach Reggie Varilla on the younger brother of Matt and Mike Nieto.
The Blue Eagles, who lost by 35 to the Baby Tamaraws in the opener, moved in a tie with the Baby Falcons, the Tiger Cubs, and the Junior Fighting Maroons from third to sixth place at 1-1.
Ports Porter also played big for Ateneo with 19 points, eight rebounds, five steals, and two blocks.
Action resumes Sunday with a four-game bill at the San Juan arena.
The Scores:
Third Game
NSNU (84) –– Jumamoy 17, Colonia 16, Clarito 15, Timbang 13, Perciano 4, Yusi 4, Tagotongan 3, Alfanta 2, Usop 2, Demetria 2, Solomon 2, Herrera 2, Barraca 2, Palanca 0, Mendoza 0, Napa 0.
UST (58) — Pangilinan 11, Jumao-as 10, Llemit 7, Naron 7, Velasquez 5, Zanoria 5, Esteban 4, Bucsit 4, Ayon 3, Manding 2, Buenaflor 0, Tesocan 0, Suico 0, Miaco 0.
Quarterscores: 13-8, 39-21, 63-42, 84-58
Fourth Game
Ateneo (109) –– Nieto 36, Porter 19, Salandanan 11, Domangcas 10, Fidel 9, Delos Santos 7, Ebdane 4, De Guzman 4, Aguirre 4, Adevoso 3, Santiago 2, Arada 0, Prado 0, Tupas 0.
UPIS (64) — Valdeavilla 18, Demisana 12, Napalang 10, Villaverde 9, Jacob 8, Melicor 6, Raymundo 1, Mendoza 0, Cordero 0.
Quarterscores: 23-15, 50-38, 74-53, 109-64
