San Juan City: National University Nazareth School (NUNS) demolished De La Salle-Zobel, 91-69, to notch its second straight win in the UAAP Season 87 boys basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Thursday. Reigning MVP Collins Akowe delivered 21 points, 21 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks for the Bullpups.
According to Philippines News Agency, NUNS head coach Kevin de Castro expressed satisfaction with the victory but emphasized the importance of continuing their momentum into their next game against Far Eastern University Diliman (FEU-D). Akowe played a pivotal role in an 18-7 run that gave the Bullpups a commanding 50-30 lead at halftime. Alnhumaeri Usop contributed significantly with three triples, while Joush Natinga and Joje Matias each added one, helping NUNS to their largest lead of the game at 89-59.
Ivler Napa added 13 points, with Carl Alfanta and Usop contributing 11 points each. Miguel Palanca chipped in with eight points and two assists, while Jid Locsin from Iloilo made a notable debut with six points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. On the opposing side, Bon Daja scored 21 points, and Kieffer Alas added 17 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals for the Junior Archers.
In the other game, defending champion Adamson University defeated the University of the East, 75-66. The 6-foot-7 Allen Perez had a career-high 19 points, along with seven rebounds, leading the Baby Falcons. Earl Medina contributed 17 points, six rebounds, and five steals; Mark Esperanza added 15 points and six assists; and Gabe de Jesus secured 12 points and seven rebounds.
Adamson head coach Mike Fermin expressed relief at securing their first win of the season, noting the team’s search for new leadership following the departure of key players from last season’s title run, including Tebol Garcia and Vince Reyes. Despite a late challenge from UE, with Jean Bana scoring on a layup and Kristoper Lagat making two free throws, Adamson sealed the game with an 11-0 run led by Medina, Esperanza, and Sanir Sajili, establishing a 75-62 lead with 1:29 left. Bana finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, and two steals for UE, followed by Lagat with 14 points. Ethan Aguas added 10 points, four rebounds, and two steals, while Cyrehl Alejandro contributed six points and eight rebounds.
