Bullpups on brink of return to throne

MANILA, Philippines — National U-Nazareth School moved closer to a sweet redemption with a gritty 77-70 win over Santo Tomas in Game 1 of UAAP Season 87 boys’ basketball finals yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Cameroonian center Collins Akowe collared a monstrous double-double of 24 points and 22 rebounds as the Bullpups moved a win away from avenging a runner-up finish in Season 86.

Akowe, norming 20.79 points, 19.21 rebounds, 2.71 assists, 1.79 blocks, was the Season MVP last year when NUNS bowed to Adamson.

Carl Alfanta and Chad Cartel chipped in 14 points each, with the latter delivering daggers in the clutch.