NATIONAL University fought back from a double-digit deficit in the last two minutes of regulation before stunning Ateneo in overtime, 101-93, yesterday to move within a win of a perfect season in the UAAP juniors basketball championship at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Hubert Cani, Manuel Mosqueda, John Cauilan and Mark Dyke combined for the Bullpups to raze an 11-point deficit and forge the extension at 86-all, before outscoring the Blue Eaglets, 15-7 in overtime.
“The boys showed they just won’t give up and regrouped in the second half,” said NU coach Jeff Napa.
The Bullpups will shoot for their second crown in three years in Game 2 tomorrow at 1 p.m., also in San Juan.
Cani knocked in 24 points, including a free throw with 32.2 seconds left that capped the Bullpups’ furious 11-0 windup from 75-86 and sealed the extra period.
A member of the junior Mythical Team, Cani also posted six rebounds, eight assists and three steals in the thriller that stretched the Bullpups’ unbeaten run to 15 games.
Mosqueda similarly shone in the clutch by firing 12 of his 22 points in the fourth and overtime periods.
Cauilan (17 points and 12 rebounds) and Dyke (16 points 20 rebounds) teamed up for 10 of the Bullpups’ 15 points in overtime.
The Bullpups also overcame the big games of three Ateneo players led by Aaron Black, the son of former Ateneo seniors coach Norman Black, who pumped in a game-high 30 points on a 15-of-22 shooting clip.
Matthew Nieto had 18 points and season MVP Thirdy Ravena posted a triple-double of 14 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists.
The Bullpups jumped straight to the title series toting a thrice-to-beat incentive for sweeping all 14 games in the eliminations.
The scores:
NU 101—Cani 24, Mosqueda 22, Cauilan 17, Dyke 16, Battad 13, Go 4, Grealy 3, Castillo 2, Manalang 0, Lopena 0, Lapiz 0.
ATENEO 93—Black 30, Ma. Nieto 18, Ravena 14, Mi. Nieto 11, Mendoza 10, Escaler 8, Jose 2, Ramos 0, Magpoc 0, Calilung 0.
Quarters: 21-25, 37-45, 57-66, 86-86 (reg.), 101-93 (OT)