Manila: National University Nazareth School (NUNS) drubbed De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ), 77-56, Sunday to stay perfect in the UAAP Season 88 junior basketball tournament at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila. Sophomore guard David Sabarez finished with 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal as the Bullpups secured their sixth win. The Junior Archers remained winless in five outings. NUNS will eye a sweep of the first round against Ateneo de Manila University at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Oct. 18.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bullpups coach Leo Pujante emphasized the importance of consistent preparation, stating, “What we prepare for every game, it’s still the same. Whether we get weaker or stronger, it’s the same because if you take every team for granted, not only will the kids’ game go down, but our level of coaching will also go down. The intensity and competitiveness inside the practice must still be there.”
Mark Arzola contributed 11 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and two steals, while Malian center Moussa Diakite also had 11 points to go along with 10 rebounds for NUNS, which took a 40-24 lead at halftime. The Junior Archers rallied behind Jullian Pangan, Ice Purugganan, Jose Asis, and John Mindanao to cut the lead to 41-51. However, the Bulldogs scored back-to-back baskets to extend the lead to 68-43, with five minutes left to play. Dean Tria added nine points, two assists, and two steals, while Loin Lalong-Isip contributed eight points.
Lorenzo Purugganan delivered 14 points, four assists, and two rebounds, and twin brother Ice had 11 points, six assists, two rebounds, and two steals for DLSZ. In the other game, Far Eastern University-Diliman defeated University of the Philippines Integrated School, 86-37, to stay in second place at 4-1. Prince Cari±o, a member of Gilas Pilipinas Boys, led the Baby Tamaraws with 20 points and 16 rebounds, followed by Dwyne Enriquez with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Dwayne Ca±ete had 10 points and three steals, while Andrei Chavez chipped in six points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Yojan Manguerra had 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals for the Fighting Maroons, who suffered their sixth consecutive loss. John Addatu had 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Kean Poquiz added seven points and three assists.