SHAUN Lucido caught fire, as NU-Nazareth School forced a rubber match after halting the charge of FEU-Diliman, 80-59, in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 boys' basketball finals on Thursday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Ranked No. 9 in the NBTC’s annual list of the Philippines' top under-19 prospects, Lucido erupted for 25 points and three rebounds, knocking down six of his nine attempts from beyond the arc to keep the Bullpups’ title hopes alive in setting up a do-or-die Game 3 on Sunday.
Lucido buried four triples in the first half, igniting a decisive run that gave the blue-and-gold a commanding 45-29 cushion at the break.
This time, there would be no collapse.
After squandering a 10-point lead in Game 1, NUNS made sure history wouldn’t repeat itself, maintaining control the rest of the way.
Moussa Diakite, who struggled in the series opener, bounced back with a dominant double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds, along with three blocks, two steals, and an assist to anchor the Bullpups' interior presence.
NUNS' bigs imposed their will inside, with Kurl Figueroa adding 10 points and seven rebounds and Corian Cabantog chipping in nine points and eight boards.
It marks the third straight time the Bullpups forced a winner-take-all Game 3 in the finals after dropping Game 1 - having fallen short in their previous attempts against Adamson then UST.
On the other side, Season MVP Cabs Cabonilas wound up 18 points, and 12 rebounds for the Baby Tams, while Khean Esperanza added 13 markers three boards, and two dimes.
The Scores:
NUNS 80 - Lucido 25, Diakite 10, Figueroa 10, Cabantog 9, Cartel 8, Natinga 6, Matias M. 5, Juan 4, Matias R. 3, Bouzina 0, Celiz 0, Timbang 0, Tulabut 0.
FEU-D 59 - Cabonilas 18, Esperanza 13, Burgos 8, Cagurungan 4, Cariño 4, Sohm 4, Gaye 3, Enriquez 2, Hall 1, Santos J. 1, Santos 1, Rañeses 0, Alagaban 0, Dagcutan 0, Dulin 0.
Quarters: 18-14, 45-31, 63-51, 80-59.
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