NAZARETH School of National University began its post-coach Goldwin Monteverde era with a win — barely.
“Credit sa mga boys kasi down kami, talagang tiniyaga nila,” new Bullpups tactician Kevin De Castro said after his wards eked out a 79-76 decision over Adamson University last Sunday. “Ang sama noong first half namin, after this game celebrate kami and then bukas, back to the drawing board.”
NSNU tries to notch a second victory in as many games when it battles University of Santo Tomas today in the 85th UAAP juniors’ basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The match is set at 2 p.m. after Far Eastern University-Diliman tangles with University of the East in the curtain-raiser at 9 a.m. and La Salle Zobel faces the Baby Falcons at 11 o’clock.
University of the Philippines Integrated School takes on Ateneo High School at 4 p.m.
The Bullpups will pin their hopes on Reinhard Jumamoy, RJ Colonia, and Aga Clarito in their bid to go 2-0 in the tourney.
The Tiger Cubs are armed with a 56-46 triumph over the Junior Archers three days ago.
James Jumao-as, JP Pangilinan, and Charles Esteban will carry the fight for UST.
“Talo kami noong last game namin (last Season 82),” Baby Tamaraws strategist Allan Albano said. “Masaya iyong first game na panalo, iyon naman iyong sinabi ko sa kanila importante iyong first game para makuha namin iyong confidence namin.”
FEU-D blasted the Blue Eaglets 85-50 also last Sunday to launch its redemption drive on a high.
The Baby Tams lost to NSNU in two games in the Big Dance of the last cage wars in 2020 where the Bullpups completed a 16-0 season sweep before the meet was mothballed for three years due to the lethal COVID-19 pandemic.
Albano’s squad will draw firepower from John Rey Pasaol, Liam Salangsang, Kirby Mongcopa, and Dwyne Miranda.
