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Photo by Tristan Tamayo / INQUIRER.net
The first-seeded National University defeated defending champion Ateneo, 70-58, to play in the first game of the UAH Junior 81 Basketball Championship Final on Monday at Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
The Bullpup shot a balanced offensive effort with six players scoring at least nine points, led by Carl Tamayo's 15, but it was on the defensive side that they really thrived.
The NU coach, Goldwin Monteverde, said another key to his team was his balance in the second half after two years of slowness.
"The key is our calm. We were pressed by our execution in the first half and fortunately we were able to recover in the second half, "said Monteverde, whose manpower was at 30-25, at the break, before beating the Blue Eaglets, 28-15, in the match. third period to turn things around.
The Bullpup have improved to 3-0 against the Blue Eagles this season after sweeping them in the playoff round. The second match will take place on Friday. NU is looking for its first junior title since 2016.
Tamayo, who also made 12 rebounds, along with Kevin Quiambao, anchored NU's defense against the great men of Ateneo, Kai Sotto and Geo Chiu, who struggled in the crucial stages of the match.
Quiambao finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds while helping to contain Sotto in the second half.
The 7-foot-2 Sotto still finished with 16 points, but needed 15 attempts and only managed seven. He had 15 rebounds and five blocks while Chiu had a quick start, but slowed down the last two quarters to total 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The NU also neutralized guard Forthsky Padrigao, who had only four points on two out of 12 shots on the field with eight turnovers.
Padrigao has contributed in other areas with six rebounds, eight assists and three interceptions, but Ateneo would need him to score more points if he wants to impose a third decisive match.
The Blue Eagles will also have to limit their turnovers after committing 21 in the first game.
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