Matias' late-game layup saves Bullpups

Mot Matias delivered the go-ahead layup as National University Nazareth School (NUNS) narrowly escaped Adamson University, 76-74, to kickstart its redemption bid in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 88 boys’ basketball tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

After Mac Jenodia split his free throws to give the Baby Falcons a 74-73 lead with 31.5 seconds left, Matias drove through the defense to nail the go-ahead layup, giving the Bullpups — who settled for silver in Season 87 — a slim 75-74 advantage and effectively securing the hard-fought victory to open their redemption campaign.

Before the winning basket, the son of former pro Ronnie Matias was limited to two points on 1-of-4 shooting but finished the game with four points, seven assists, three rebounds, and one steal.

In the other game, Maco Dabao starred with 27 points on 10-of-14 shooting, alongside six rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal, as De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) cruised past the University of the Philippines Integrated School, 98-42, giving new head coach Gian Nazario a triumphant debut.\With these contrasting victories, NUNS and DLSZ joined Far Eastern University-Diliman and Ateneo as early leaders in the eight-team field. Earlier in the day, the Baby Tamaraws pulled off an 82-78 win over defending champions University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs, while the Blue Eagles edged the University of the East Junior Warriors, 91-84.

The NUNS-Adamson game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Baby Falcons seizing a crucial five-point, 69-64 lead with 4:51 left, thanks to a Jenodia triple and a six-point spurt by Cebuano rookie guard Fran Flores, built on a mid-range jumper and an and-one three-point play.

The Bullpups, however, methodically clawed their way back with a 9-2 run, receiving key contributions from Kurl Figueroa, Sofiane Bouzina, and Season 86 junior high school basketball Most Valuable Player Shaun Lucido to take a 73-71 lead with 2:02 remaining.