IN a hard-fought battle that came down to the wire, Chad Cartel proved to be the difference-maker as National University Nazareth School outlasted the University of Santo Tomas, 77-70, to move closer to clinching the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball championship, Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
An and-one layup by Senegalese forward Racine Kane kept the Tiger Cubs within striking distance at 72-68, but the 18-year-old guard from Iloilo delivered in the clutch for the Bullpups.
Following Kane’s basket, Cartel responded swiftly with a long two-pointer, then set up Mac Alfanta for a crucial basket that extended NUNS’ lead to 76-70 with 1:41 remaining.
UST had several opportunities to turn the tide, but four costly missed free throws from Kane and Buenaflor in the final four minutes, combined with missed three-point attempts by Wacky Ludovice and Kane in the closing seconds, denied them the chance to inch closer to ending their 24-year title drought.
Aside from their strong offensive finish, the Bullpups’ defense proved pivotal, limiting the Tiger Cubs to just eight points on a dismal 3-of-14 shooting in the final period to secure the win.
“Very crucial itong panalo sa Game 1. Makuha natin itong Game 1, maganda yung advantage natin coming into the next game [at] yung advantage, nandoon din. Ma-address ko lang yung credit ko sa mga bata, kita naman natin nung fourth quarter, talagang trinabaho nila para makuha nila itong panalo,” said Bullpups head coach Kevin de Castro.
The victory carried added significance for NUNS, as they avenged their lone defeat of the season — a 56-76 loss to UST last March 6 that denied them an outright Finals berth.
With this win, NUNS are now on the verge of claiming their eighth UAAP boys’ basketball title — and De Castro’s first championship — since Season 82 in 2019.
History favors the Bullpups, with seven of the previous nine Game 1 winners — and nine of the last 11 — ultimately securing the championship.
“May proper mindset dapat kami coming into Game 2. 0-0 ang utak namin next game. Job’s not done yet hangga’t hindi namin nakukuha yung second win para sa championship. We’ll be ready, alam namin yung UST malaking adjustments yung gagawin, magpe-prepare yan sa amin at for sure hindi yan papayag sa’min sa Game 2. Pero we’ll be ready, dodoblehin or ttriplehin namin yung ginawa namin today,” De Castro added.
Collins Akowe posted a dominant double-double — his first in three games — with 24 points, 22 rebounds, two assists, and one block, while Cartel contributed 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting with four rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
