UAAP: Ateneo continues to lead the pack as HS Boys Tournament standings shape up

Amidst the early mix-up in the middle of the standings, Ateneo de Manila University has remained the standard in UAAP Season 88 Boys Tournament action.

Claiming their fifth consecutive win of the year, head coach Bacon Austria’s boys used a strong fourth quarter to shut down defending champions University of Santo Tomas, 100-88, last Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

Jude Eriobu continued his stellar play for Ateneo, putting up a colossal 28 points and 21 rebounds to steer his team clear of the Tiger Cubs.

Not missing a beat in the scoring department either, Noah Banal scored 25 points to go along with two rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Team captain Jay M Leal also contributed greatly on offense, garnering 17 points of his own.

On the other side, despite five players entering double-digit in scoring, titleholder UST has now fallen to a 1-4 win-loss card.

Leading the España-based squad today was JC Canapi, who despite coming off the bench, scored 24 points on an even split 50% shooting from the field. Lead guard Joaqui Ludovice followed suit with 15 markers.

NUNS def. UP, 124-41

The other three games in Boys basketball action this past Sunday saw the winning teams come out victorious by wide margins. 

First on the slate of games was an 83-point victory by National University-Nazareth School over University of the Philippines-Integrated School.

Dismantling the Fighting Maroons and bouncing back after their tough loss against Ateneo, NUNS were led by Miekho Natinga’s record-breaking day.

The NUNS stalwart erupted for 44 points, hitting a new UAAP single-game record of 13 three-pointers made.

Shaun Lucido and Moussa Diakite also made the most out of their appearance against UPIS, chalking up 21 and 16 points each in just 15 and 13 minutes of playing time.

UPIS was paced anew by Jhustin Hallare’s 17 points, to go along with three rebounds and three assists.

DLSZ def. ADU, 71-45

Continuing their steady climb up the standings, De La Salle Zobel garnered their second straight win after a commanding 26-point win over Adamson University.

Bigman Yusuf Mikailu had himself an uber-efficient game against the Baby Falcons, notching 14 points on 77.8% shooting while gobbling up a monstrous 23 boards. 

Now becoming a recurring theme this season, Maco Dabao led the Junior Archers yet again in scoring with 17 points. The lead guard also produced five rebounds, two assists, and three steals.

Meanwhile, the Baby Falcons dropped their third game of the season, falling to sixth in the current standings. Francel Flores was the lone Adamson player to enter double-digits with 15 points.

FEU-D def. UE, 96-73

To cap off Sunday’s boys games, Far Eastern University-Diliman utilized a dominant fourth quarter to propel them to a 23-point win against University of the East, 96-73.

Cabs Cabonilas churned out an impressive double-double game, scoring 22 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. The young cager also contributed five assists, three steals, and a block.

While Marc Burgos swiftly trailed Cabonilas in scoring with 12 points, a quintuple of Baby Tamaraws also scored eight points to help their team to a strong 4-1 win-loss record.

On the other hand, Mhico Abellar and Gab Delos Reyes spearheaded the Junior Red Warriors’ efforts today, recording 12 and 11 points respectively.

DLSZ def. Ateneo (Girls), 101-21

In the Girls division, De La Salle Zobel claimed its first win of the season in convincing fashion, prevailing over Ateneo de Manila University, 101-21.

Five Junior Lady Archers contributed 10 points or more to help their team to a breakthrough victory.

Ima Navarro posted a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Apyang Dulay, Fia Martinez, and Bing Padigos contributed 18, 15, and 14 markers each.

Ching Gales also put up a steady 10 points along with eight rebounds and six steals.

For Ateneo, it was Tyler Templo who led her team in the points department with 14.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News