Bullpups retain NBTC Division 1 title

RJ Colonia

NU Nazareth School retained its Division 1 title by defeating Fil-Nation Select, 75-64 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, capping off a frenetic few days of the 2023 SMART-NBTC National Finals.

Less than 24 hours after a double-overtime classic against Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, the Bullpups opened the game by allowing their US-based opposition to score the first ten points. They managed to settle themselves down and made it a neck-and-neck battle until they took over in the final period.

Buckets from Pervy Timbang and RJ Colonia allowed NUNS to take the lead for good at 67-63 with 2:40 left. That would eventually turn into a 12-1 run to claim third straight title.

Kevin de Castro shares, "We did not even think that this would be our fourth [title.] I just told the boys to treat this game like Gilas vs. USA. That was the fire that I used for them to get going in this game."

He adds, "We’re blessed because somehow, we have a player like Reinhard who can lead the team. We went through defeats in the UAAP, we got one here in the NBTC and hopefully, he brings it to college."

Jumamoy, who was named as the Division 1 Ato Badolato Most Outstanding Player, finished with a triple-double with sixteen points, fifteen rebounds, and ten assists. He also added five steals in the victory.

Colonia contributed 23 points and ten rebounds, while Kurt Perciano added ten markers.

Jason Mandaquit Jr led Fil-Nation Select with sixteen points and six rebounds while Jacob Bayla adding thirteen points and ten rebounds.

Jumamoy, Colonia, and Mandaquit are joined by the Magis Eagles duo of Jared Bahay and Raffy Celis as they comprise the Mythical Team.

For Division 2, Earl Sapasap of champions Team Tarlac was named as the Ato Badolato MOP. He is joined on the Mythical Team by Matthew Jucom of Don Bosco-Dumaguete, Lebron Nieto of Ateneo, Kaden Puletua of Homegrown Australia, and Sean Bondoc of Doc Boleros.

The NBTC National Finals is backed by Smart, SM, Strong Realty and Development Corp., Under Armour, and Molten. It is also supported by Tecno, Regent, Rebisco, Jollibee, San Miguel Corp., Maynilad, Rebel Sports Pilipinas, MNL Kingpin, Gatorade, Swish App by NBN23, Victory Liner, Jasper Jean, Darlington, Exped, Mr. Freeze, Coach E Basketball School, Lighthouse Events, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.