NUNS sustains form; DLSZ bounces back

Defending champion National University Nazareth School (NUNS) rallied in the fourth quarter to overcome University of Santo Tomas (UST), 86-75, and extend its unbeaten run in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 high school boys’ 16U basketball tournament on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

With the victory, NUNS extended its winning streak to a historic 25 games dating back to Season 88, remaining unbeaten at 9-0 and sitting alone atop the standings.

The Junior Tiger Cubs created separation late in the second quarter after a 29-all deadlock, unleashing an 8-0 run behind Miguel Austria, who had already recorded a double-double by halftime.

NUNS cut the deficit to two points on an Andrie Lopez triple, but Wayne Anggot answered from beyond the arc to give UST a 60-55 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Bullpups, however, turned the tide with an 11-5 run to open the final frame and reclaim the lead. They then withstood another UST rally that trimmed their advantage to just one point, 66-65.

Flores, Aaron Dalanan, and Ron Mayor combined for NU’s final 20 points as the Bullpups dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Junior Tiger Cubs, 31-15, to seal the victory.

“As I told them at halftime, we could do it. Even though we played poorly, we were down by only nine points,” NUNS head coach Leo Pujante said.

“Bit by bit, possession by possession, we were going to chip away at the lead. In the end, the boys pulled it off.”

Six Bullpups finished in double figures, led by Arnold Flores with 18 points and five rebounds. Jesse Arellano also delivered a double-double with 13 points and 17 rebounds.