National University’s Collins Akowe (left) tries to stop UST’s Koji Buenaflor from scoring in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 boys basketball best-of-three title series on Thursday (March 20, 2025) at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. UST won, 89-85. (UAAP photo)
The University of Santo Tomas leaned on its veteran core to edge out National University Nazareth School, 89-85, on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, forcing a do-or-die Game 3 in the UAAP Season 87 boys’ basketball finals.
Team captain Koji Buenaflor came up clutch for the Tiger Cubs, sinking two crucial free throws to ice the game. He led UST with 24 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in a statement performance.
Charles Esteban contributed 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Carl Manding added 15 points as UST pulled ahead 72-61 entering the fourth quarter.
But the Bullpups refused to go down without a fight.
Led by standout Nigerian center Collins Akowe, along with Carl Alfanta, Miguel Palanca, and Mot Matias, NUNS clawed their way back, narrowing the deficit to just one, 78-77, with 5:21 remaining.
UST responded in a big way with back-to-back three-pointers from Manding and Esteban, restoring a 10-point cushion, 87-77, with 2:35 to play.
Alfanta hit a triple to bring NUNS within two, 87-85, with 21 seconds left, but it would be the Bullpups’ final push.
The decisive Game 3 is set for March 27, 12 p.m., at the same venue.
The Tiger Cubs are eyeing their first boys’ basketball championship since Season 64 (2001).
“I give full credit to the boys. They didn’t panic, they stayed composed even in tough stretches,” said UST head coach Manu Iñigo. “They trusted one another, locked in on defense, and gave everything to keep our title hopes alive.”
Co-captain Kirk Canete also made his presence felt with 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Charles Bucsit chipped in nine points, while Senegalese forward Racine Kane tallied five points, three boards, two assists, and a steal.
Buenaflor, who is in his final season, embraced the pressure of leadership.
“I embraced my role as team captain. I knew I had to step up,” he said. “Coach believed in me, and even if I missed shots, he told me to keep going. That gave me confidence.”
On the NUNS side, Akowe—recently named Best Foreign Student Athlete—put up monster numbers with 28 points, 26 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists.
Alfanta finished with 17 points, five assists, and three boards, while Palanca posted 15 points and seven rebounds. NUNS previously claimed Game 1 with a 77-70 win on March 13.
Now, everything comes down to one final game.