UAAP: DLSZ returns to HS basketball Final Four; NUNS, FEU-D, Ateneo also advance

De La Salle Zobel returned to the UAAP high school boys’ basketball Final Four after nine years, defeating Adamson University, 71-59, in the Season 88 tournament on Wednesday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The victory lifted the Junior Archers to a 7-5 record, enough to secure a Final Four berth — their first since Season 79 in 2017.

“This means a lot. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, just going into this game, my emotions were all over the place. To be in this situation again, na mabigyan kami ng opportunity to make the Final Four, does not only mean a lot to me, but it also means a lot to coach Boris [Aldeguer],” said new Junior Archers head coach Gian Nazario, referring to Aldeguer, who previously handled the program.

Yusuf Mikailu led the Alabang-based squad with 21 points and 22 rebounds, while Maco Dabao and Nino Ferrer added 15 and 13 points, respectively. Dabao also tallied 10 rebounds, three steals, and a block in the win.

The victory spoiled Jarl Artango’s 20-point effort and Francel Flores’ 12 points for the Soaring Falcons, who slipped to 4-8.

NUNS def. UE, 80-73

Meanwhile, National University Nazareth School clinched its 14th consecutive Final Four appearance since 2009 after defeating the University of the East, 80-73.

Chad Cartel paced the Bullpups with 24 points, while Moussa Diakite posted a double-double of 16 points and 18 rebounds. Shaun Lucido added 16 points as NUNS improved to 10-2.

Sizco Roquid and Jamal Diaz scored 18 points apiece, while Mhico Abellar contributed 13 for UE, which fell to 4-8.

Ateneo def. UST, 90-83

Ateneo de Manila University dethroned defending champion University of Santo Tomas, 90-83, to secure a Final Four spot after improving to 9-3.

Jude Eriobu recorded a double-double of 23 points and 17 rebounds, while Noah Banal erupted for 28 points and Jay M. Leal added 15.

Jetlee Melano had 23 points for the Tiger Cubs, while Simon Pulongbarit scored 18. Joaquin Ludovice and JC Canapi chipped in 14 points each in the loss, which dropped UST to 4-8.

FEU-D def. UPIS, 103-52

Far Eastern University-Diliman overwhelmed the University of the Philippines Integrated School, 103-52.

The Baby Tamaraws built a 56-34 halftime lead before holding UPIS to just 18 points in the second half to complete the rout.

Cabs Cabonilas scored 13 points, while JB Cagurungan and Jastien Dagcutan added 12 apiece as FEU-D improved to 10-2 and also clinched a Final Four berth.

Kean Poquiz led the still-winless Fighting Maroons with 17 points, while Zandor Lugatiman and Jhustin Hallare added 14 and 11, respectively.

HS Girls Basketball

In girls’ basketball action, NUNS continued its dominant run with a 107-49 victory over Ateneo.

Hasly Mallari scored 14 points, while Audrey Biongcog and Aubrey Lapasaran added 12 each for the 5-1 Lady Bullpups.

Cheska Gozum paced the still-winless Blue Eagles with 13 points.

Although the Final Four cast is already complete, two more game days remain in the elimination round, with the next scheduled on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym. The final playdate is set for March 8 at the same venue.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News