Bullpups rip Junior Warriors, near finals

MANILA, Philippines – National University smothered University of the East, 94-60, to move closer to the finals of the UAAP Season 78 juniors basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

The Bullpups roared to as many a lead as 71-37 after three quarters before coach Jeff Napa pulled out his starters to gird up for their biggest battle ahead. ? 

Unbeaten in 13 games, NU seeks to complete a double-round elimination sweep and claim the coveted thrice-to-beat advantage against De La Salle-Zobel on Saturday, also at The Arena.

Justine Baltazar dished out a 16-point, 16-rebound performance with three blocks to boot as he led the Bullpups’ attack.

Meanwhile, De La Salle-Zobel, priming up for its much-anticipated duel with NU, hammered out a 47-35 win over Adamson to assure itself of the No. 2 slot in the Final Four.

The Junior Archers, who were led by Aljun Melecio’s 14 points, improved to 11-2 slate. ?       

Defending champion Ateneo (9-4) blasted University of Santo Tomas, 80-57 (3-10), while Far Eastern University-Diliman (8-5) downed UP Integrated School (2-11), 81-71, to formally clinch the remaining two spots in the semifinals.?       

The Baby Falcons were eliminated in the Final Four race with a 6-7 card. ?