Photo from UAAP
MANILA, Philippines — Nazareth School of National University swept its way to a second straight UAAP high school boys basketball title after holding off Far Eastern University-Diliman, 87-80, in Game 2 of their finals series Monday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The formidable Bullpups joined both the NU Lady Bulldogs and the Ateneo Blue Eagles in completing a 16-0 sweep this season.
It was a wire-to-wire win for the Bulldogs but the victory wasn’t entirely a cakewalk after the Baby Tamaraws battled back and pulled within seven, 79-72, after being down by as much as 17.
“It just feels great because all our hard work paid off,” said NU coach Goldwin Monteverde, who also calls the shots for the school’s men’s basketball team.
“We sustained our focus and energy of the players throughout the whole year,” he added.
Graduating seniors Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, and Gerry Abadiano delivered the crucial baskets in the final four minutes that sealed the Bullpups’ fifth title in nine years.
Tamayo, who was named the Finals MVP, produced another masterpiece with 26 points and 22 rebounds.
Abadiano added 20 points, five rebounds and three assists while Terrence Fortea chipped in 12 points and four assists for the Bullpups.
John Rey Pasaol led FEU on both ends with 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists and five steals while Penny Estacio added 17 points.
The game was played in a venue with no fans due to the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The Scores:
NS-NU 87 – Tamayo 26, Abadiano 20, Fortea 12, Quiambao 8, Alarcon 5, Tulabut 5, Enriquez 4, Torres 3, Buensalida 2, Mailim 2, Felicilda 0
FEU-D 80 – Pasaol 20, Estacio 17, Bautista 13, Sleat 13, Anonuevo 8, Padrones 5, Libago 3, Bagunu 1, Saldua 0
Quarterscores: 24-17, 53-45, 75-62, 87-80