By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Reigning Most Valuable Players Collins Akowe towed National University-Nazareth School (NUNS) to a 90-34 thrashing of University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) in the UAAP Season 87 boys’ basketball at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Sunday.
The 6-foot-10 Nigerian delivered 21 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and one block as the Bullpups remained unbeaten after five games.
Miguel Palanca chipped in 13 points and five assists; Mac Alfanta had 12 points, two rebounds and two steals; and Johnkurl Figueroa made 11 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
“We have to make a statement because our next game is UE (University of the East), one of the contenders. Then last game is (against) defending champion Adamson. We just want to have a good springboard,” NUNS coach Kevin de Castro said.
Bruce Tubongbanwa and Rocco Melicor scored nine points each for UPIS, which absorbed its fifth straight setback.
Meanwhile, Adamson University defeated Ateneo de Manila University, 56-52, to end a two-game slump and rise to 2-3
Mark Esperanza, a 5-foot-11 Gilas Youth guard, had 25 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists and five steals for the Baby Falcons.
“It’s a hard-earned victory for us. Hats off to Ateneo, they played well. But in the end, breaks of the game did it. We capitalized on that and we were able to score. At least, we arrested our skid and hopefully, this will continue,” Adamson coach Mike Fermin said.
Chris Urbina had 11 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals, while Jay Lead chipped in 11 points and 11 rebounds. TJ Delos Santos contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. (PNA)
