THREE-PEAT seeking Nazareth School of National University survived a pesky La Salle-Zobel stand, 74-71, to remain perfect in the UAAP high school boys basketball tournament at the San Andres Sports Complex yesterday.

The Bullpups were able to extend their winning streak to 32 games despite having scoreless in the final 2:14, as the Junior Archers fell short of achieving a major upset.

“Muntik pa kami,” said coach Kevin de Castro as NSNU turned the ball over 17 times and allowed La Salle-Zobel to score 25 points in the payoff period. “Yung turnovers, ang dami naming ibinigay. Medyo pangit ang inilaro namin this game.”

After Reinhard Jumamoy missed two free throws, the Junior Archers tried to send the match to overtime in the final 11 seconds but they could not convert on the final possession.

Jumamoy missed a second straight triple-double, finishing with 19 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists to lead the Bullpups.

Rhyie Melencio had 26 points, including a lay-up in the final 1:18 that cut the Junior Archers’ deficit to 71-74. He also had 12 boards and three blocks.

Earlier, Far Eastern University-Diliman overpowered UP Integrated School, 97-59, to tie Adamson, a 91-64 winner over University of Santo Tomas, in second place.

Jedric Daa scored 16 points while VJ Pre (13 points, 10 rebounds) and John Rey Pasaol (10 points, 10 assists) churned out double-double numbers for the Baby Tamaraws, who have won two in a row after last week’s narrow loss to the Baby Falcons.

“At least nasa Final Four position pa rin kami kahit sabihin nating maaga pang sabihin. Nasa maganda kaming position na 4-1,” said FEU coach Allan Albano. “Kailangang mag-improve kami sa decision making at yung mindset, kasi minsan, nagre-relax ang mga bata.”

University of the East pulled off a stunning 84-79 reversal of Ateneo to enter the win column after four straight defeats.

Ken Arcega scored the game’s biggest basket, a lay-up off a Justine Gatchalian assist to give the Junior Warriors the needed separation at 82-75, with 1:12 remaining.

The Blue Eagles loss, who are still tied with the Tiger Cubs at 2-3 in fourth spot, negated Kristian Porter’s 34-point explosion.

“Their perspective during the game, they are very positive to beat Ateneo,” said UE team official Gerry Venturina, speaking in behalf of coach Ronnie Dojillo. “Of course, the ball is round. We don’t know what will be the outcome of the game and we are grateful that we emerged as the winner of this game.”

Vhon Roldan led the Junior Warriors with 24 points, four rebounds and two steals, Gatchalian had nine points, five steals and two assists, while Andei De Leon contributed eight assists, eight points and six rebounds to go with +15 efficiency.

Kobe Demisana had 23 points and 10 rebounds while Jonas Napalang and Daryl Valdeavilla each had 12 points for the Junior Fighting Maroons, who lost four in a row after season-opening win.

UPIS fell in a tie with UE and La Salle-Zobel at 1-4.