Bullpups maul Eaglets, take Game One of UAAP juniors basketball finals

MANILA, Philippines-Defending champions National University Bullpups proved that they are the kings of UAAP high school basketball as they dropped the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglets 76-72 in the first game of their championship series Friday at the Arena in San Juan.

Bullpup Mark Dyke turned back Mike Nieto, who will be named MVP, in the final 30 seconds to fend off the Eaglets which swept 14-game tournament and received an automatic bye to the finals.

NU head coach Jeff Napa admitted that he is wary of Ateneo but his squad’s experience will prove vital for them.

“We just tried to motivate our players, their experience played a big factor in the game,” Napa said. “We gave them the confidence which let out the best in them.”

Justin Baltazar completed a three-point play opportunity to give the Bullpups a 45-31 lead.

Ateneo, however, trimmed the deficit to two with Nieto’s shot inside to make it 57-55.

Napa said that the team stepped up to complement the incredible play of Dyke as he led the Bullpups with 20 points and 17 boards.

John Clemente added 17 points and seven rebounds while Manalang had 14 points and five assists for the Bullpups who would have to beat the Eaglets two more times to repeat as champions.

Nieto led Ateneo with 25 points, 18 of which came from beyond the arc, and eight boards while his twin brother Matt had 19 points.