UAAP: UE outlasts defending champions UST; NU, ADU, Ateneo claim victories in HS basketball action

University of the East claimed its first victory of UAAP Season 88 Boys Tournament play at the expense of reigning champions University of Santo Tomas, 107-102, Wednesday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City.

Sizco Roquid and JM Edoukou led the charge for UE, combining for 10 of the Junior Red Warriors’ 12 points in overtime to repel any counterpunches from the Tiger Cubs.

Roquid finished the matchup leading UE in scoring with 28 points to go along with four assists, three rebounds, and two steals. On the other hand, Edoukou tallied nine points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Ethan Aguas and Jamal Diaz also contributed in the scoring department for the Junior Red Warriors, producing 18 and 13 markers each; with the former grabbing a game-high 15 rebounds.

On the other hand, titleholders UST are still in search of their first win this year. Three Tiger Cubs notched 20 points or more this game, with guard Joaquin Ludovice amassing 28 points. Meanwhile, Simon Pulongbarit and Jetlee Melano followed suit with 24 and 20 points, respectively.

NUNS def. DLSZ, 60-50

Despite being down double digits entering the third canto, National University-Nazareth School flexed their muscles and overturned the deficit to come out victorious against De La Salle Zobel, 60-50.

Leading the charge for NUNS was Shaun Lucido, who uncorked 17 points coupled with five rebounds and three assists. 

Providing a much needed spark off the bench, Kurl Figueroa finished with 15 points, six rebounds, two steals, and one block in 27 minutes of action.

On the other hand, Maco Dabao led the Junior Archers anew, scoring 16 points and grabbing six boards as DLSZ suffered their first loss of the season. Nino Ferrer and Jake Alpapara just trailed in scoring with eight and seven points each.

ADU def. UPIS, 71-47

Adamson University bounced back from their opening day defeat by winning big against University of the Philippines-Integrated School, 71-47.

Despite trailing by three points at halftime, the Baby Falcons shifted into a higher gear after the intermission, out-scoring the Fighting Maroons, 44-17, throughout the rest of the contest.

Mac Jenodia and Jarl Artango both paced Adamson in points, with 17 and 15 markers each. Jenodia also contributed 11 rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the win.

Meanwhile, struggles continue for UPIS, who are now on a 20-game losing streak stretching back to Season 86. Leading the Fighting Maroons in scoring for two consecutive games now was Bruce Tubongbanua, churning out 17 points while also crashing the boards with 10 rebounds.

Ateneo def. FEU, 90-71

Ateneo de Manila University stayed unblemished as they grabbed a statement win over Far Eastern University-Diliman, 90-71.

Propelled by 32-18 scoring barrage in the second quarter, the Blue Eagles protected their lead and never looked back.

Bigman Jude Eriobu continued to soar and turn heads as he manufactured another impressive performance on both sides of the ball. Overall, Eriobu finished with 22 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks, and four steals.

The Katipunan-based team’s chemistry was also on full display as they out-assisted FEU, 27-10. A product of their stellar teamwork, starters Unri Madrangca, Jay M Leal, and Noah Banal combined for 41 points to help Ateneo improve to a 2-0 record.

Cabs Cabonilas paced the Baby Tamaraws anew, this time churning out 14 points. Second in FEU’s scoring department was Khean Esperanza who racked up 10 points.

UST def. DLSZ (Girls), 90-59

Over in the Girls division, University of Santo Tomas opened their title defense with a convincing 90-59 win over De La Salle Zobel.

Riri Perez opened her Season 88 account by notching a near triple-double statline of 19 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. The Junior Tigress also contributed on the defensive end, nicking three steals and swatting away two shots.

Janice Oczon and Kokou Talla swiftly followed suit, posting 15 and 13 points each.

For DLSZ, Ima Navarro finished the game with a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News