NATIONAL University (NU), indeed, has arrived. NU, a founding member of the 74-year-old University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), clinched the juniors basketball crown at the expense of Far Eastern University (FEU), 72-63, in Game Three of the best-of-three series on Sunday at the Arena in San Juan.
It was the first juniors title for NU that has earned the monicker as the league’s whipping squad in seasons past—a tag it is expected to shrug off following a massive rehabilitation of its sports program with the entry of the Sys of the SM Group in the school.
Ralph Tansingco had 18 points and Ralph Busa made 15 markers for the Bullpups, whose senior counterparts, the Bulldogs, have a prized possession in Bobby Ray Parks, the men’s Most Valuable Player.
Forward Ralph Atangan had a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds to emerge as MVP of the finals which saw the Bulldogs labor past the favored Baby Tamaraws.
Atangan converted on a lay-up then sank two free throws to give the Bulldogs breathing space, 70-62, with 32.4 seconds remaining in the knockout match.
“Hindi kami makapaniwala na nasa finals kami. Naniwala lang kami sa sistema at sa support ng NU community,” said Atangan.
For Bullpups head coach Jeff Napa, it was a dream come true—an achievement he failed to experience as a Bulldog.
“Ito ang pinakapangarap namin ni [assistant coach] Chico Manabat na hindi namin na-fulfill as a player. Kahit paano nanalo na rin ako sa basketball, as a coach,” said the 31-year-old Napa, who was a key player when the Bulldogs made a rare Final Four appearance in the 2001 season.
The road to the finals was tough for the Bullpups. They had to beat the La Salle Zobel Junior Archers twice in the Final Four, before having to extend the Baby Tamaraws to the full route in the race-to-two finals.
FEU grabbed Game One, 71-67, but lost to the spirited NU squad, 57-46, in Game Two when Typhoon Pedring was ravaging Luzon on Tuesday.
Season MVP Jerie Pingoy had 15 points, eight rebounds, six steals and six assists for FEU, which also drew 15 points from Joshua Aguilon.
