NU ends Sacred Heart’s Cinderella run, faces La Salle Greenhills in NBTC finals

National University didn’t care for any fairy tale story after it stopped Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu in its tracks, 71-47, to barge into National Basketball Training Center National Finals Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Terence Fortea lit up with eight points in the second quarter alone to lead the Bullpups in establishing a 33-28 lead going into the break against the Magis Eagles, who beat UAAP champion Ateneo in the Elite 8 the day before.

The Bullpups will face La Salle Greenhills, who earlier ousted Chiang Kai Shek in the knockout finale on Friday.

Gerry Abadiano, who transferred to NU from Adamson University in Season 78, the took the offensive burden in the third quarter, scoring 11 points as the Bullpups broke the game wide open.

“Of course we’re very happy with the win because we now have a chance to win the whole tournament,” said NU head coach Goldwin Monteverde. “It wasn’t easy getting into the position we’re in because one loss and you’re done.”

NU drove its point home in the fourth, outscoring the Magis Eagles 18-7 in the final 10 minutes.

Abadiano led the Bullpups with 23 points and five boards while Fortea added 17 points.

Eroll Pastor had 14 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Magis Eagles from Cebu.