NSNU clinches UAAP juniors basketball title with rout of La Salle-Zobel

By Ivan Saldajeno

SAN JUAN, MM--Despite its title celebration delayed by a week, NSNU clinched the UAAP juniors basketball title with a 96-75 lopsided win over La Salle-Zobel in Game 3 of the finals at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Friday.

The Bullpups, who saw their 15-game winning streak snapped at the hands of the Junior Archers the week before, tried to make sure they will keep hold of the championship by opening a 22-9 lead after the first quarter.

Despite La Salle-Zobel starting to get its shots falling in the second quarter, NSNU continued to dominate, going for a 31-15 third quarter to put the result beyond doubt.

Winderlich Coyoca scored 20 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Finals MVP Justine Baltazar added 18 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, four blocks, and one steal for the Bullpups, who won the championship for the third time in four years.

Aljun Melecio made a living from the outside the entire game, going 5-of-16 from three-point territory, and finished with 22 markers along with seven boards and six dimes for La Salle-Zobel.

Box Scores:

NSNU 96-Coyoca 20, Baltazar 18, Peñano 16, Clemente 15, Amsali 11, Callejo 6, Atienza 5, Fortea 3, Jugar 2, Manalang 0, Sarip 0, Beldua 0, Tolentino 0, Careng 0, Mosqueda 0

La Salle-Zobel 75-Melecio 22, Sobrevega 20, Sario 14, Paraiso 8, Romero 6, Cabarrus 3, Fortuna 2, Tongco 0, Mariano 0, Salafranca 0

Quarterscores: 22-9, 48-37, 79-52, 96-75

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