Bullpops cap flawless season, sweep Eaglets for UAAP jrs hoops crown

MANILA, Philippines – The National University Bullpups put the exclamation point to a perfect season as copped they UAAP Season 76 juniors basketball crown with an 81-74 triumph over Ateneo Wednesday at the Arena in San Juan.

After 14-0 run in the elims and a come-from-behind 101-93 overtime victory in the first game of the finals, the top-seeded Bullpups went at it with all their might and were rewarded their title-clinching 16th triumph.

The Bullpups became the first champion team in the juniors division to finish unblemished since the thrice-to-beat incentive was implemented.

More importantly, the roaring conquest made up for the failed campaigns of NU's other top-seeded bets in the men's division (losing semifinalists) and women's bracket (bridesmaids).

"Happy kami na nakapagbigay ng glory at history na naman sa NU community (We're happy to have brought glory and made history for NU)," said NU coach Jeff Napa, who gave the Bullpups their second title in three years.

Lorenzo Battad rifled in a booming trey to give NU a 77-72 cushion going to the last 45 seconds. The Bullpups secured possession following a missed shot by Thirdy Ravena, with Hubert Cani sent to the stripe by Ateneo's Matt Nieto. Cani cashed in on both as NU seized a 79-72 spread, 45 seconds left.

"Ang nasa isip ko nun, gusto ko nang magbakasyon (I was really thinking about finishing this campaign and taking a deserved vacation already when Cani made those freethrows)," said Napa.

Cani finished with 25 points to go with six assists for NU, to earn Finals MVP plum. He averaged 24.5 markers, seven feeds, and two steals in the championship.

JP Cauilan added 18 points and 15 rebounds, capping his efforts with two freebies in the last eight seconds, while Mark Dyke had 14 boards and eight markers.

Ravena, the season MVP, fired a game-high 27 points, 13 rebounds and six assists for Ateneo, which for the first time since 2002, failed to win a single basketball title in a season.

The Scores:

 NU 81 —Cani 25, Cauilan18, Lopena 10, Battad 9, Dyke 8, Mosqueda 6, Go 5, Manalang 0, Lapiz 0, Grealy 0, Claveria 0, Castillo 0.

 ADMU 74 – Ravena 27, Mendoza 15, Black 12, Nieto Mk. 10, Nieto Mt. 6, Magpoc 2, Calilung 2, Salandanan 0, Ramos 0, Joson 0, Escaler 0.

Quarterscores: 27-20, 40-38, 63-58, 81-74.