UAAP jrs basketball: NU ends UST’s dream run, books Finals date vs Ateneo

Nazareth School of National University drew contributions from all fronts to trample University of Santo Tomas, 91-72, and book a return trip to the UAAP Season 80 juniors basketball Finals Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Terrence Fortea and Miguel Oczon teamed up in helping the Bullpups break away in the  killer 17-1 first half blast to establish the commanding 32-17 advantage and go on cruise control from that point on.

Fortea had eight of his 17 points off the bench as he served as the sparkplug for NU to set up the best-of-three championship duel against Ateneo.

Oczon chipped 16 markers, while Pao Javillonar dominated the paint with 13 points, 16 boards and two blocks.

Rhayyan Amsali contributed 12 points and nine rebounds as Matthew Manalang and Winderich Coyoca combined for 19 points built on four triples in the final stage of the stepladder semifinals for the twice-to-beat Bullpups.

NU now shifts its focus against the unbeaten Ateneo, with the series set to open on Friday.

RJ Baquial and Jezreel Villapando carried the fight for the Tiger Cubs with 16 points each as UAAP Season 80 Juniors MVP CJ Cansino was largely checked by the Bullpups defense and could only muster 10 markers on a 4-of-14 shooting, alongside 16 rebounds, and seven assists against four turnovers.

The Scores:

NU 91 — Fortea 17, Oczon 16, Javillonar 13, Amsali 12, Manalang 11, Coyoca 8, Gonzales 4, Pangilinan 4, Minerva 2, Malonzo 2, Vinoya 2, Dayrit 0, Felicida 0.

UST 72 — Baquial 16, Villapando 16, Lina 10, Cansino 10, Narvasa 10, Anunciacion 6, Palencia 2, Dolendo 0, Manabat 0, Relucio 0, Estrella 0, Dela Cruz 0, Benzonan 0.

Quarters: 21-17, 45-31, 67-51, 91-72.