MANILA, Philippines - National University’s (NU) presence is now indeed being felt in all corners of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) after its juniors basketball team, the Bullpups, beat La Salle Zobel, 49-46, to advance to the Season 74 finals against Far Eastern University (FEU).
The Baby Tamaraws frustrated the Ateneo Blue Eaglets’ four-peat bid with a 63-56 victory in yesterday’s other Final Four knockout game at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Norjohn Tendenilla had 12 points and Raphael Atangan contributed 11 points and 14 rebounds for the Bullpups of NU, which has made its mark this season in men’s basketball (MVP Bobby Ray Parks Jr.) and in men’s badminton, where it wound up runner-up.
Paolo Rivero also delivered for NU with 12 rebounds, and so did Paul Baliton with eight rebounds and six assists.
No Junior Archer finished in double figure with Kristiane Velhagen topscoring with nine points to go with his 11 rebounds in the match that actually went tight most of the way with two deadlocks and nine lead changes.
Joshua Aguilon had 21 points and Jerie Pingoy 18 markers for the Baby Tamaraws, who were forced to a KO game by the Blue Eagles, the champions the last three seasons.
Kristoffer Porter had a double-double 14 points and as many rebounds but the rest of the Blue Eagles groped in the second half after they controlled the first two periods – 19-8 and 29-22.