Chad Cartel supplied the spark as National University Nazareth School (NUNS) overcame University of Santo Tomas (UST), 77-70, to move closer to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 junior boys’ basketball title yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

An and-one layup by Senegalese forward Racine Kane kept the Tiger Cubs within striking distance at 72-68, but the 18-year-old guard from Iloilo delivered in the clutch to give the Bullpups the victory and the 1-0 lead in their best-of-three title series.

Following Kane’s basket, Cartel responded swiftly with a long two-pointer, then set up Mac Alfanta for a crucial basket that extended NUNS’ lead to 76-70 with 1:41 remaining.

UST had several opportunities to turn the tide, but four costly missed free throws from Kane and Koji Buenaflor in the final four minutes, combined with missed three-pointers by Wacky Ludovice and Kane in the closing seconds, denied them the chance to inch closer to ending their 24-year title drought.

Aside from their strong offensive finish, the Bullpups’ defense proved pivotal, limiting the Tiger Cubs to just eight points on a dismal 3-of-14 shooting in the final period to secure the win.

“Winning Game 1 is very crucial. At least we now have an advantage going into the next game,” Bullpups head coach Kevin de Castro said.

The victory carried added significance for NUNS, as they avenged their lone defeat of the season — a 56-76 loss to UST on 6 March that denied them an outright finals berth.

With this win, NUNS are now on the verge of claiming their eighth UAAP boys’ basketball title — and De Castro’s first championship — since Season 82 in 2019.

History favors the Bullpups, with seven of the previous nine Game 1 winners — and nine of the last 11 — ultimately securing the championship.

“We have a proper mindset going to Game 2,” de Castro added.

“Our job is not yet done until we get our second title. We’ll be ready. We know that UST will come up with a major adjustment so we also have to prepare.”

Collins Akowe posted a dominant double-double — his first in three games — with 24 points, 22 rebounds, two assists, and one block, while Cartel contributed 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting with four rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Despite struggling offensively, Alfanta added seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Napa chipped in nine points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc with one rebound, one assist, and one steal.

Meanwhile, the Tiger Cubs find themselves in a must-win situation as they look to force a winner-take-all Game 3 after faltering in their first finals appearance since Season 73 in 2010.

The Bullpups aim to complete their redemption campaign when Game 2 tips off next Thursday at the same San Juan venue.