UAAP: NUNS boys weather UE fightback to preserve unbeaten record

MANILA — National University-Nazareth School kept its perfect record intact in the UAAP Season 89 High School Boys’ 16-and-under Basketball Tournament after holding on for a 95-90 win over University of the East on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Bullpups had to weather a second-half fightback from the Junior Warriors to hike their record to 8-0, while extending their overall winning streak to 24 games over the past two years.

The loss dropped UE into a tie for third place with De La Salle Zobel, with both teams holding identical 5-3 records.

“Buti na lang ‘yung players ko, they stayed composed and na-execute din namin ‘yung dapat gawin. Kaya lang, may mga kailangan pa kaming gawin sa transition defense. Sa fastbreak din kami nayari,” NUNS head coach Leo Pujante said. “Not satisfied, but a win is a win. Wala namang tatalo sa kanila kundi ang sarili nila.”

Dwyane Enriquez helped NUNS maintain control in the second quarter, drilling a triple to extend the Bullpups’ lead to double digits at 37-23. Enriquez struck again just before halftime, converting a fastbreak layup to keep NUNS ahead, 58-48.

The Junior Warriors shifted the momentum in their favor late in the third quarter, unleashing a 17-4 run to erase the Bullpups’ lead. Jaden Roxas capped the rally with a layup to tie the game at 74-all heading into the final frame.

NUNS responded with crucial defensive stops before Aaron Dalanan scored inside to restore a five-point cushion, 82-77.

UE continued to threaten the Bullpups, with Jadan Sena drilling a triple from the right wing to cut the deficit to one, 85-84, with just over three minutes remaining.

Kurt Mercado kept the Junior Warriors in contention, stealing the ball from Dalanan before converting a fastbreak layup to knot the score at 90-all with 1:20 left.

However, Enriquez came through with the go-ahead triple from the corner to put NUNS ahead, 93-90, with just over a minute remaining.

Sena had a chance to force another tie with a triple but missed, allowing NUNS to protect its lead before Andrie Lopez sealed the victory at the free-throw line.

Five Bullpups scored in double figures, led by Enriquez with 18 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Lopez added 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, with 15 of his points coming in the first half.

Arnold Flores Jr. chipped in 15 points and seven rebounds, while Dalanan and Chandler Cano finished with 14 points apiece.

All nine UE players who saw action contributed to the scoring, with Mercado leading the way with 23 points. Odie Mallabo added 12 points and five rebounds, while Mark Redulfa and Roxas finished with 11 points apiece.

Both teams return to action on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Bullpups will look to preserve their unbeaten record against the University of Santo Tomas at 9 a.m., while UE aims to bounce back against Ateneo de Manila University at 11 a.m.

NUNS 95 – Enriquez 18, Lopez 17, Flores Jr. 15, Dalanan 14, Cano 14, Mayor 5, Tundag 4, Genido 3, Macoy 2, Arellano 2, Garcia 1, Dizon 0.

UE 90 – Mercado 23, Mallabo 12, Redulfa 11, Roxas 11, Dizon 10, Ancheta 8, Aguilar 6, Sena 6, Mercado 3.

Quarterscores: 24-16, 58-48, 74-74, 95-90.