National University Nazareth School opened its redemption tour with a 70-56 win over titleholders Far Eastern University-Diliman in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 high school boys basketball tournament Tuesday at the Amoranto Arena.
Debuting Nigerian big man Collins Akowe lived up to the billing, producing monster numbers of 17 points, 21 rebounds, and three blocks while Mac Mac Alfanta chipped in 14 points for the Bullpups.
Despite the graduation of last season’s Most Valuable Player Reinhard Jumamoy, NUNS looked sharp, boosted by Akowe’s presence in the middle.
Jedric Daa and Liam Salangsang had 11 and 10 points, respectively for the Baby Tamaraws, who trailed by as much as 22 points.
While FEU-Diliman stumbled in its first match, last season’s runner-up Adamson University had a winning start.
Gabe de Jesus shot 20 points while Earl Medina added 17 points, six steals, five rebounds, and two steals as the Baby Falcons spoiled Manu Iñigo’s coaching debut for University of Santo Tomas with a 95-81 victory.
FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship 2023 Mythical Team member Kieffer Alas produced a solid all-around game of 32 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals as De La Salle-Zobel outlasted University of the East, 79-76.
Transferee Ziv Espinas debuted with 19 points, 15 rebounds and six assists as Ateneo scored a 93-86 victory over University of the Philippines Integrated School.
Action resumes Tuesday at the Adamson Gym with the Junior Archers taking on the Baby Tamaraws at 1 p.m., followed by the 3 p.m. clash between the Bullpups and the Junior Warriors.
