MANILA -- National University-Nazareth School emerged as champions of the first-ever UAAP junior high school basketball tournament.

The Bullpups got it done in cardiac fashion, stunning Far Eastern University-Diliman 68-67 in the gold medal game on Saturday afternoon at the Amoranto Arena in Quezon City.

It was a come-from-behind win for NU-Nazareth, who trailed by two points with just 1.7 seconds to go before Rob Celiz came to their rescue. Inbounder Mot Matias found Celiz in the corner, who hoisted the game-winner over the outstretched arms of FEU-Diliman's Jharred Gutierrez.

Rob Celiz of NU-Nazareth celebrates after hitting the game-winning three-pointer against FEU-Diliman in the final of the UAAP Season 86 junior high school basketball tournament, May 4, 2024 at the Amoranto Arena in Quezon City. UAAP Media

"Sabi ko, babawi talaga ako. Wala akong masabi, babawi talaga ako at buti na lang na-shoot," said the 16-year-old Celiz, the son of former Bulldog and ex-PBA pro Robby.

"Wala akong masabi sa kanya. Sabi ko sa kanya, bibigay ko yung bola sa kanya. Kahit nagkamali siya nung 26 seconds, sa kanya pa rin yung final play," said Bullpups head coach Kevin De Castro. "Pagka-shoot, napaluhod nga ako."

Celiz scored 11 of his 14 points in the final quarter and grabbed six rebounds en route to winning Finals Most Valuable Player honors.

For Castro, it was a breakthrough championship after settling for runner-up honors in the boys' basketball tournaments in Season 85 and 86.

"Sobrang saya. Yung game talagang hard-fought. Eto yung dini-dream nila, yung game-winning shots," the coach said.

The Bullpups needed to erase a 14-point deficit, as they trailed 59-45 midway through the fourth quarter before the trio of Celiz, Matias, and Shaun Lucido took charge. They combined for a 20-6 scoring run, with Celiz knocking down the game-tying free throws with 1:04 to go. 

Matias and Lucido both went down with cramps with 50 seconds left, and FEU-Diliman regained the lead late when JB Cagurungan nailed a fadeaway over Chester Tulabut.

They left just enough time for Celiz to fire up the game-winner, however.

Lucido, the season MVP, led NUNS with 24 points, four rebounds, and three steals, while Matias tallied 13 points, four rebounds, and four steals.

"Pagpasok ko pa lang sa NU, nasa isip ko na kailangan ko mapa-champion ang school na ito at makilala ako dito sa Manila. Talagang pinagtrabahuan ko po ito since Day 1," said Lucido.

The NU-Nazareth Bullpups celebrate with coach Kevin De Castro after emerging as champions of the UAAP Season 86 junior high school basketball tournament, May 4, 2024 at the Amoranto Arena in Quezon City. UAAP Media

Lead FEU-D guard Travis Pascual got 13 points, while Pat Pasinos produced 11 points and nine rebounds.

Gutierrez, Mark Dulin, and Cagurungan all added eight points apiece as well for the Mark Isip-coached Baby Tamaraws.

Joining Lucido in the Mythical Five were Matias (92.5 SPs), UST's Lorenz Cinco (84.5), DLSZ's Ken Atienza (84.167), and Ateneo's Alfonso Tan (80.4).

In the first game, the University of the East bagged bronze after romping past the University of Santo Tomas, 90-81.

The Scores:

Final:

NUNS 68 - Lucido 24, Celiz 14, Matias 13, Vitug 6, Sison 4, Tulabut 4, Mejia 0, Sundiang 0, Tolentino 0, Callueng 0, Quinto 0.

FEU-D 67 - Pascual 13, Pasinos 11, Gutierrez 8, Dulin 8, Cagurungan 8, Dagcutan 6, Carino 6, Chua 3, Lopez 2.

Quarterscores: 22-20, 29-32, 43-51,  68-67

Bronze medal match:

UE 90 - Abellar 20, Aguas 15, Roquid 11, Mesina 11, Dahino 10, Bual 8, Garcia 7, Bungar 4, Oraa 2, Ferreros 2, Cadorna 0, Dalosa 0.

UST 81 - Sy 22, Cinco 14, Cabanero 14, Castro 11, Bohol 8, Knowles 5, Valenzona 4, Guerrero 3, Bathan 0, Siguan 0, Dela Cruz 0, De Castro 0.

Quarterscores: 23-16, 46-33, 70-60, 90-81.