San Juan City: National University Nazareth School (NUNS) will attempt to secure the UAAP boys basketball title on Thursday as they face the University of Santo Tomas in the second game of the best-of-three finals series at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. The Bullpups, who emerged victorious in Game 1 with a score of 77-70 on March 13, are eyeing their first championship since Season 82 in 2020 with another win. The game is scheduled to tip off at 12 p.m.
According to Philippines News Agency, NUNS missed an automatic finals berth after a 56-76 defeat to the Tiger Cubs at the end of the elimination round. Grade 12 players Collins Akowe, Macmac Alfanta, and Chad Cartel are expected to lead the charge for the Bullpups as they pursue their eighth overall title. Akowe, who received the Best Foreign Student-Athlete award, recorded 24 points and 22 rebounds in Game 1, while Alfanta and Cartel contributed 14 points each.
NUNS head coach Kevin de Castro emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, acknowledging that UST will be looking to recover. "Perhaps it's about having the right mindset. Heading into Game 2, it's zero-zero - the job's not done yet until we secure that second win and the championship," de Castro stated. He added, "We'll be ready. We know UST will make big adjustments, they'll prepare for us, and for sure they won't just give in during Game 2. But we'll be ready - we'll double, even triple, the effort we put in today."
On the UST side, key players Racine Kane, Koji Buenaflor, Carl Manding, and Kirk Canete will lead the Tiger Cubs in their pursuit of victory. Meanwhile, the UST girls' team seeks to clinch their title against NUNS at 10 a.m. The Tigresses will be led by MVP contender Barby Dajao, who posted 25 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and five steals in their commanding 85-57 Game 1 win.
Rhiane Perez contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Lea Pinuela and Sandra Abrantes added 14 points each. UST assistant coach Allana Lim stressed the need for sustained determination and consistency, saying, "We need to maintain the hunger and consistency we've had throughout the season if we want to finish this in Game 2." Lim added, "Nothing will change for us; we'll just continue what we've been doing, and hopefully, we can finish the job. What Coach Sen [Dysangco] started here - which is winning the championship - is what we aim to complete. We know NUNS will make adjustments against us, but we'll be ready. We're determined to claim what we've been working hard for."
The Lady Bullpups will rely on Gilas Girls standouts Aubrey Lapasaran and Ashlyn Abong as they look to bounce back.
