NU Bullpups’ Terrence Fortea. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Defending champion Nazareth School of National University held on to beat Far Eastern U, 80-73, and sweep the UAAP Season 82 high school boys basketball elimination round Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Bullpups blew a 32-point lead and needed a crucial 3-pointer by Ernest Felicilda with 52.9 seconds left to put the Baby Tamaraws away for good.
“We have to finish what we started. Same pa rin, we will prepare for our next game in the same way,” said NU coach Goldwyn Monteverde, whose squad finished the elimination round with a 14-0 record.
Terrence Fortea had 17 points and four rebounds while Reyland Torres collected 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists for the Bullpups, who booked their ninth straight trip to the finals.
FEU wrapped up the eliminations with a 12-2 record and will hold the twice-to-beat advantage in the stepladder semifinals.
Earlier, Jeremy Guarino drained the game-winning triple in the final 3.9 seconds as Adamson University completed the semis cast with a thrilling 79-76 victory over Ateneo.
The Baby Falcons ended the elimination round tied with the Blue Eaglets at 8-6. Both teams will meet again in the first phase of the stepladder semis on Wednesday.