National U rules eFIBA x UAAP eGilas Talent Discovery Tournament, completes historic esports sweep

MANILA — National University has completed a historic esports sweep in the UAAP, as the Bulldogs ruled the eFIBA x UAAP eGilas Talent Discovery Tournament.

The Bulldogs clinched the first eFIBA x UAAP Tournament trophy after a dominant showing against University of Santo Tomas, winning 56-51, and 74-56, Tuesday at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong, City.

This was the third championship for the Bulldogs in UAAP Esports, after also winning the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Valorant titles.

Point guard John Emmanuel Reyes awarded as the Finals MVP after putting up 45 overall points and 30 overall assists in the tourney presented by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Coming off their win against the Adamson Soaring Falcons in the semifinals, NU carried their momentum in the finals after leading 10 points during the second quarter of Game 1.

UST Teletigers Eryx Delos Reyes finished with 17 points, while Miguel Hubillar ended with 10 points and 12 assists during Game 1.

Game 2 started differently as Hubillar opened the game with 12 points early in the first quarter.

But as the Teletigers were gaining momentum, Lynard Clark Banzon and Reyes both hit an impactful back-to-back three-pointer to equalize the game at 21-21.

It was a seesaw battle not until the Bulldogs hit a 12-0 run to end the first half, sealing the lead to 38-29.

“I’m still overwhelmed na I was able to achieve the dream,” head coach Paolo Medronio said as the NU esports program aimed to grab all gold-medal awards in the UAAP esports tournament.