Bullpups keep PSSBC crown

MANILA, Philippines — Halfway through the third quarter, it was pretty evident as to who would emerge as the country’s “Prince of Hoops.”  

Defending UAAP juniors champion National University overpowered reigning titlist San Beda University, 105-80, to become the first back-to-back champion of the Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship-Freego Cup  last Thursday at the SGS Stadium in Quezon City.

With Gerry Abadiano scoring almost at will, the Bullpups steadily pulled away until they practically settled the issue with five minutes left in the third when their lead ballooned to 26 points (80-54).

At the end of the third quarter, the 5-foot-11 Abadiano had 29 points to his credit on an 8-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-5 from the three-point zone.

He went on to finish with 35 points with Terrence Fortea backing him up with 23 points spiked by six triples in the event also sponsored by Poly-Gloss, IronCon Builders, Macbeth Underwear, Happy Toothpaste, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, MEC Networks and Blackwater Sports.

“Magaling talaga ang batang ’yan,” said NU coach Goldwin Monteverde, who also drew stellar performances from two of his big men – Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao. 

Quiambao and Tamayo wound up with 14 points and 12 points, respectively, apart from anchoring the team’s rock-solid defense that held SBU star Justine Sanchez to just three points.

Quiambao was named tournament MVP for the second straight year while Abadiano was the hands down choice for the Finals MVP in the event also supported by Molten, Gerry’s Grill, Cherrylume, Sumo GI Sheet and Choi Garden.

Far Eastern University wound up third after edging Ateneo, 82-76.

The scores:

NU 105 – Abadiano 35, Fortea 23, Quiambao 14, Tamayo 12, Tulabut 11, Felicilda 6, Torres 4, Alarcon 0, Enriquez 0, Mailim 0, Buensalida 0.

San Beda 80 – Ynot 21, Alcantara 13, Cabañero 13, Amsali 10, Andrada 9, Delfino 6, Sanchez 3, Pelipel 2, Oftana 2, Valencia 1, Pascual 0, Maga 0, Peregrina 0, Nicdao 0.

Quarters: 34-20, 61-45, 84-60, 105-80