National University Nazareth School staved off a gallant stand by Ateneo de Manila University, racking up an 81-73 escape to return to the win column of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 high school boys' basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Adamson Gym.

It was a bounce-back win for the Bullpups, who were coming off a 63-59 loss to the Adamson Baby Falcons last Saturday, and a much-needed win to take solo second in the standings with a 3-1 slate.

"A win is a win but we played bad again. We need to adjust to the zone defense of our opponents," said Bullpups coach Kevin de Castro, whose wards struggled from the three-point area with 7-of-23 shooting.

Leading by as much as 21 points, the Bullpups suddenly went cold from the field which the Blue Eagles took advantage of.

With 2:47 left, Ziv Espinas knocked down a triple from the top of the arc, slicing the NU lead down to four, 74-70.

But Collins Akowe would not let Ateneo spoil his birthday, taking charge on both ends, including a block on Espinas and a thunderous jam in the closing minutes of the game to seal the win.

"I'm really happy. Like coach said, we did not expect this but a win is still a win," said Akowe, who turned 18 years old.

The Nigerian Grade 11 big man tallied 15 points, 21 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals.

Four other Bullpups scored in double-digits with Chad Cartel, Macmac Alfanta, and Eljah Yusi finishing with 13, 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Playmaker Tom Pillado also produced 10 points, seven rebounds, and two steals for the Bullpups, who were missing the services of Francis Herrera and Alnhumaeri Usop.