MANILA – National University Bullpups bagged the UAAP Season 81 juniors basketball crown after a 59-51 win over Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglets in Game 2 of the finals on Friday at San Juan Arena.
Terrence Fortea struggled with 3-of-19 shooting but still managed to lead the way for the Bullpups with 15 points, while Finals MVP Carl Tamayo finished with double-double 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Cyril Gonzales also had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Kevin Quiambao, Negrense Reyland Torres, Ilonggo Gerry Abadiano and Ernest Felicida also contributed on rebounds for the Bullpups.
Unlike in the series opener, both team played toe-to-toe since the start with the Bullpups just slightly ahead at 46-45 in the third period and was also decimated with the ejection of Abadiano.
The Blue Eaglets took the lead at 51-50 on a basket by Forthsky Padrigao before the Bullpups unloaded a finishing 9-0 run capped by five straight points from Fortea to seal the championship.
“Masaya since it is my first UAAP championship,” said Bullpups head coach Goldwyn Monteverde. “Nagbunga ‘yung trinabaho ng team. We are happy na na-accomplish namin ‘yung goal namin.”
Kai Sotto tallied double-double 25 points and 26 rebounds in what could be his final game for the Blue Eaglets as he is reportedly considering to pursue his high school basketball career in Europe.
Padrigao added eight markers but have to exit with three minutes remaining in the game after sustaining a leg injury, while Geo Chiu contributed eight points, nine rebounds and three blocks for the dethroned Ateneo./PN
