NU Bullpups sweep UAAP S81 finals for championship title against Ateneo

“How sweet it is to be CHAMPS!
#NUbullpupsCHAMPS” (Photo: Nazareth School – NU Bullpups/Facebook)

After three years, Nazareth School of National University (NU) has again reigned victorious in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP), dethroning defending champions Ateneo in the second game of the best-of-three series for season 81 last Friday, February 22 at the Flying V Filoil Arena in San Juan.

The score ended at 64-53 in favor of the Bullpups with almost everyone on the team performing. Terrence Fortea led the way with 15 points, four assists, and two rebounds, while Carl Tamayo, who was hailed Finals’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) also performed with a double-double at 13 points and 10 rebounds. Kevin Quiambao chipped eight points, six rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, while Cyril Gonzales chipped a double-double at 10 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. Reyland Torres contributed eight points and nine rebounds, while Ernest Felicilda added 12 rebounds, two points, two assists, and a steal. Before his second unsportsmanlike foul in the third quarter that led to his ejection from the game, Gerry Abadiano totalled eight points and nine rebounds for NU.

This is the first championship title for head coach Goldwin Monteverde since he took over the squad a few years ago; the team’s latest championship in 2016. He shared, “It’s my first UAAP championship. We’re very happy that we accomplished the goal that we pursued. The only thing seen is the talent of our team but there are the sacrifices that come with it and the time spent. At least we won it.” He added, “As a high school team, our goal is to keep the players growing, learning. Of course this is just a level for them and maybe after a year, they’ll go to college. We have to prepare for them also. That’s where we are focused as a team.”