Manila: National University Nazareth School prevailed over Far Eastern University, 59-57, Thursday to secure its eighth consecutive victory in the UAAP Season 87 boys basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
According to Philippines News Agency, Collins Akowe finished with 21 points, 24 rebounds, and two blocks for the Bullpups, who saw their 59-53 lead reduced to two after Sam Hall scored on a jumper with only 27 seconds left to play. NUNS' Jid Locsin failed to score in the subsequent play, and FEU-D's Cabs Cabonilas missed a jump shot as time expired.
'Hats off to FEU, they have a good game plan. This is what I tell my players: it's hard to win in the second round. Our maturity was tested. We're still thankful for the win, but we are not yet satisfied,' said Bullpups head coach Kevin de Castro. 'For sure, we can't be like this in our next games,' he added.
Locsin and Carl Alfanta contributed eight points each for the NUNS, which will face defending champion Adamson on Sunday. The Baby Tamaraws, who dropped to third place at 5-3, were led by Marc Burgos, who scored 19 points along with five steals, four rebounds, and two assists. Liam Salangsang added 14 points, while Cabonilas had 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks for FEU-D, which recovered from an 8-20 first-quarter deficit to move within 27-29 at halftime.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas rolled to its seventh win after defeating De La Salle-Zobel, 76-58. Koji Buenaflor had 23 points and six rebounds, while Cameroonian forward Racine Kane added 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Tiger Cubs, securing second place at 7-1.
In other results, Adamson University narrowly defeated Ateneo de Manila University, 58-57, while University of the East overcame University of the Philippines Integrated School, 85-72, to share fourth place at 4-4. Mark Esperanza contributed 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals, while Earl Medina, Johnrey Abayon, and Allen Perez scored 12 points each for the Baby Falcons. Lance Sabroso finished with 10 points and six rebounds, while Kristoper Lagat and Jean Bana added nine points apiece for the Junior Warriors.
