Mousa Diakite of National University Nazareth School goes for a reverse layup against University of the East in the UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Saturday (Nov. 15, 2025). He delivered 24 points and 11 rebounds as the unbeaten Bullpups won, 83-64. (UAAP photo)
National University Nazareth School (NUNS) kept its spotless season alive after overpowering defending champion University of the East, 83-64, in the UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bullpups inched closer to a rare elimination-round sweep that would send them straight to the finals. One more victory is all they need to complete the feat.
Mousa Diakite delivered a dominant double-double with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, setting the tone for NUNS’ decisive breakaway. He joined forces with Mark Arzola, Dean Tria, and David Sabareza in engineering a blistering 14-0 run that stretched the Bullpups’ lead to 59-38 with six minutes remaining.
NUNS continued to pile on the pressure, with Jaypee Yanga’s basket pushing their largest margin to 81-50 entering the final stretch.
“If we ever get a sweep, it’ll be two weeks. Our last game is Nov. 23, and Game 1 is probably Dec. 10 — that’s a long way off. We’ll look for tune-up games,” said NUNS coach Leo Pujante. “The kids’ morale is really high right now. That’s actually our problem — the break. But we’ll stay sharp and we’re still facing UST on Sunday.”
Arzola followed up with an all-around effort of 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Yanga added 12 points and four boards.
For UE, now 7-6 and still holding the fourth spot, Zion Aguilar top-scored with 19 points, while Goodluck Okebata had 13 points and six rebounds. Mark Perdigon contributed 10 points and four steals.
In the day’s other matchup, University of Santo Tomas secured a semifinal berth after torching Ateneo, 100-81.
The Tiger Cubs notched their third straight win, raising their record to 9-3 behind a fiery outing from CJ Tabbuga, who tallied 27 points and eight rebounds. Gab Castro added a massive double-double of 18 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks.
Dave Regala and Wayne Anggot chipped in 13 points each, while Rowie Cabañero flirted with a triple-double with 10 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds.
“This is good preparation for our next game because our last two games were crucial,” said UST coach Noli Mejos. “I’m happy because they showed what we prepared for. Their reaction today was very positive.”
Ateneo, now 2-9, was led by Migo Yoro with 13 points, followed by Domeng Ngo and JD Juangco with 12 and 11, respectively.
