The two finalists of the UAAP Season 87 boys basketball tournament posted early wins to open the 2025 NBA Rising Stars Invitational - Philippines Qualifiers.
Reigning champions University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Cubs and the runners-up National University - Nazareth School (NUNS) Bullpups took different routes, but managed to reach the same winning destinations in the boys’ division held at the Gatorade Hoops Center, Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, May 7.
Jhon Canapi exploded for 24 points spiked on seven threes in just 26 minutes, pacing a strong 93-64 Tiger Cubs beatdown of the Sacred Heart School - Ateneo De Cebu Magis Eagles in their opening game.
Lorenz Cinco logged 23 markers, nine rebounds, and six assists while Joaquin Ludovice submitted 14 points as UST rode a 32-16 third quarter to break the game wide open.
As for the NUNS, they pulled away in the final frame to chalk up a 67-52 triumph over the Ateneo de Davao High School Blue Knights.
Shaun Lucido put up a team-high 19 points as the Bullpups used a 19-10 scoring advantage in the final canto on top of dominating the paint-point battle, 38-18.
Meanwhile, the Lady Bullpups mauled the St. Paul College of Pasig Paulinians thanks to a 70-30 beatdown.
Zaydhen Rosario and Aubrey Lapasaran topscored their squad with 12 points each while six other Lady Bullpups posted five or more markers. NUNS raced to a fiery 29-5 start en route to leading by as many as 44 points in a one-sided affair.
Brooklyn Sanchez and Stephie Contrares led the Paulinans with 13 and 11 markers respectively.
The Qualifiers continue tomorrow, May 8, at the same venue. The finals will be held on May 10 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
