With Moussa Diakite having a rare off day for National University Nazareth School in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament finals, David Sabareza seized the moment to take charge and carry the Bullpups.
Playing in his final year in the JHS division, Sabareza delivered a standout performance with 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists. His efforts powered NUNS to a commanding 79–49 win over Far Eastern University-Diliman on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, bringing the Bullpups closer to the championship and a perfect 16–0 season sweep.
For Sabareza, the key to his exceptional performance was the team bonding session he shared with his teammates on the eve of the big game.
“Yung naging motivation ko lang ay yung nagsimba po kami sama-sama last night tapos kumain kami as a team,” said Sabareza, a 15-year-old guard from Antipolo. “Dun po kami nag-usap-usap as a team about the game today.
“Siyempre po, yung naging mindset ko po this game ay maging leader muna sa court. Tinulungan ko po yung teammates ko para makatulong sila sa team and sinabi ko lang po yung kailangan nila i-adjust.”
It’s every coach’s dream to see other players step up when a star is having a quiet night.
Coach Leo Pujante was pleased to see multiple players contribute while Diakite focused on defense, hauling in 15 rebounds and two blocks to complement his five points.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The veteran mentor stressed that any of his players could erupt on any given night, and this time, it was David’s turn to shine.
“Everybody naman can explode namin,” said Pujante. “Nagkataon lang si Moussa lagi. This time, you have to respect Moussa because he didn’t look for his score. He just rebounded and defended kasi alam niya yung depensa ng FEU naka-focus sa kanya. Hindi siya nag-alboroto na wala siyang score. He just wanted to win.
“Si David, si (Mark) Arzola, si (Dean) Tria, si (Nick) Peña — kahit sino sa mga yun, pag sinwerte, makaka-score ng 30 points eh. Nagkataon lang si David ngayon.”
With NUNS on the verge of its first-ever crown in the JHS division, the Bullpups are determined to close out the series this Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Sabareza is eager to capture his first UAAP championship as a student-athlete. He said this season has been about learning how to lead his teammates — a lesson he hopes to carry into the senior high level in Season 89.
“Yung napulot ko lang this season ay yung mga kailangan namin ma-adjust para makapag-champion kami and sa mga teammates ko para tulungan sila at i-lead sila,” he said.
