A dunk and the inside presence of Nigerian big man Collins Akowe in the final minute allowed Nazareth School-National University Bullpups to frustrate the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, 62-61, on Wednesday in the 86th University Athletic Association of the Philippines junior basketball tournament at the FilOil-EcoOil Center in San Juan.
Akowe’s dunk in the last 1:17 proved to be the winning basket that sent the Bullpups to their seventh triumph in nine games.
This allowed the Bullpups to firm up their hold on second spot as they challenge the Adamson Baby Falcons’ (7-1) grip on the solo lead.
The Blue Eagle Eaglets, who now have a 4-6 win-loss card, missed opportunities to win when they bungled three attempts in the remaining time. The 6’10”Akowe kept the ball in NSNU’s possessions with his rebound plays.
Akowe went on to finish with a game-high 19 points and 22 rebounds for the Bullpups.
“Hanggang sa matapos ang game, nandu’n ang sile (Ateneo). Kailangan namin maging consistent,” said NSNU coach Kevin de Castro.
Mac Alfanta knocked in 16 points and had 11 boards for the Bullpups. His layup with 3:47 to go kept NSNU within range, 60-61.
In other games, Andrei Dungo made 26 points for the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs in their 78-66 pummelling of the La Salle Zobel Junior Archers.
The Tigers Cubs, with JB Lim and Wacky Ludovice providing 14 points apiece, hiked their record at third with a 6-3 mark.
Waki Espina unloaded 17 points for the Junior Archers, who now have a 2-7 card.