By Ivan Saldajeno
PASAY--NSNU proved to be too much for Tay Tung as the reigning UAAP juniors basketball champion pounced the Bacolod-based squad, 88-38, in the NBTC National Finals at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday night.
The Bullpups, playing for the first time with Jeff Napa out as head coach, limited the Thunderbolts to a single digit in each quarter except for the second, where they conceded 15 points, and even bludgeoned them by their second stringers.
John Lloyd Clemente finished with 19 points before sitting out in the second half, while Justine Baltazar, more known for his defense, showcased his offensive talent by making four straight layups late in the third period and tallied 14 points in total for NSNU, which presented Chico Manabat as the interim mentor.
Napa, who will coach Letran in the NCAA seniors division in the upcoming season, actually showed up for the NSNU-Taytung game although as the coaching consultant.
Miguel Corteza tried to carry Taytung by virtually his lonesome but only made 15 points on 20 shots.
In earlier action, Castillejos High School shocked PAREF-Springdale, 53-47.
The final game of a packed opening day schedule, a Division 2 match between DAMMC and La Finns, is happening as of posting.
Box Scores:
Sixth Game
Castillejos High 53-Rosendal 21, Boncales 10, Cambi 8, Rodriguez 7, Campbell 3, Quimeniano 2, Traballo 2, Joven 0, Velasco 0, Cacao 0
PAREF-Springdale 47-Jos. Sainz 14, Benedicto 8, Sy 5, Quitevis 5, Galang 5, Villegas 3, C. Tan 2, Balankig 2, D. Tan 2, Joh. Sainz 1, Contapay 0, Cabigon 0
Quarterscores: 16-10, 24-29, 36-37, 53-47
Seventh Game
NSNU 88-Clemente 19, Baltazar 14, Coyoca 9, Tolentino 7, Atienza 6, Penano 6, Manalang 5, Fortea 5, Sarip 4, Mosqueda 4, Amsali 4, Callejo 3, Jugar 2, Beldua 0, Careng 0
Tay Tung 38-Corteza 15, Puray 8, Tagamolila 7, Valencia 4, Rallos 2, Ma 2, Tan 0, Cagalawan 0, Sangco 0, Villamer 0, Jubelag 0, Jereza 0, Lee 0, Esparagoza 0
Quarterscores: 28-8, 49-23, 74-31, 88-38
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