National University Nazareth School (NUNS) is on the verge of a first-round sweep following a dominant 77-56 victory over De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 88 junior high school boys' basketball tournament on Sunday morning at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Sophomore guard David Sabareza continued his impressive run, scoring 14 of his 16 points in the second half, along with five rebounds, three assists, and one steal to put the redemption-seeking Bullpups on top of the eight-team field with an unblemished 6-0 record heading into their final first-round outing.

Standing in NUNS’ way of a first-round sweep is Ateneo de Manila University, a team still reeling from a narrow defeat to Season 87 runner-up UST on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We’re doing the same preparation we had in ever game regardless of whoever we’re facing,” Bullpups head coach Leo Pujante said.

“We can’t take other teams for granted. The players may have low performance but us, coaches, can’t afford to lose our focus. We have to stay intense and competitive in practices.”

Dean Tria and Malian center Moussa Diakite sparked a strong 25-12 opening period, then carried the momentum into the second quarter to give NUNS a comfortable 16-point, 40-24 lead at halftime.

That strong start proved crucial as the Bullpups weathered the Junior Archers’ furious 15-3 third-quarter rally, powered by Jullian Pangan, Ice Purugganan, Jose Asis and John Mindanao, which cut the deficit to 51-41.

NUNS, however, quickly regained control, unleashing a pivotal 17-2 run that extended into the fourth quarter.

The surge, highlighted by an eight-point spurt from Sabareza and a layup and three-pointer from Mark Arzola on consecutive possessions, gave the Bullpups a commanding 68-43 lead with 5:04 remaining.

Diakite finished with a double-double of 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting and 10 rebounds, along with one steal and one block.

Mark Arzola added 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting, seven assists, six rebounds, and two steals.

Dean Tria contributed nine points, two assists, and two steals, while Loin Lalong-Isip added eight points and one rebound in 11 minutes and 48 seconds of action.

For DLSZ (0-5), the Purugganan twins led the way in the losing effort, with Enzo posting 14 points, four assists, and two rebounds, and Ice adding 11 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals.