Far Eastern University-Diliman asserted its dominance over De La Salle Zobel, 82-76, to claim its third straight win in the UAAP Season 89 16-and-under boys’ basketball tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
With the victory, the Baby Tamaraws moved to solo second in the standings with a 6-2 record to open the second round, extending their winning streak to three games — the second-longest active streak in the tournament.
FEU-D had previously defeated DLSZ, 86-76, in the first round.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Actually, very happy we’re in the number two spot right now. But we need to be better, and we need to increase our defensive stamina kasi mediyo nagco-collapse kami kapag nalalamangan kami,” said FEU-D head coach Muriel Garcia.
“Sabi ko sa mga player ko, keep your composure. Masyado kasing mainit yung Rye Villaruz at Enzo Purugganan. Gradually, na-adjust namin ‘yung defensive scheme namin, pero ready naman kami doon,” he added.
Nicus Calma spearheaded the Baby Tamaraws’ early surge, putting the Junior Archers in a 20-15 hole before DLSZ mounted a late second-quarter comeback.
With two minutes left in the first half, Enzo Purugganan took charge of a 12-2 run that erased a 10-point deficit and sent the Junior Archers into the break tied with the Baby Tamaraws.
Both teams continued to trade baskets in a tightly contested third quarter, with FEU-D holding a two-point lead in the closing seconds. Purugganan then drained a triple to swing the lead in La Salle’s favor, 61-60, heading into the final frame.
FEU-D refused to back down, however, as Andres Cruz’s layup with 1:46 remaining put the Baby Tamaraws back on top, 74-73.
The Baby Tams then closed the game with a decisive 10-0 run, holding the Junior Archers scoreless until Fonzie Mercado knocked down a triple with one second left as FEU-D sealed the 82-76 victory.
“Para sa akin, pinractice naman namin ‘yun. Palagi naman sa isip ko. Lagi ko po ’yon iniensayo para sa laro, pagdating sa shooting, parang basic na lang,” said Calma, who shot 50 percent from the field in the win.
Calma led the Baby Tamaraws with 16 points, while Griffin Barlan posted a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Bernard Alsola added 11 points, including the dagger three-pointer that put the game away with 42 seconds remaining.
Cruz chipped in 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
FEU-Diliman will look to extend its winning streak when it faces Ateneo de Manila University next Thursday, October 15, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Junior Archers, who had previously won three straight games, dropped to fourth place with a 5-3 record.
Villaruz paced La Salle Zobel with a game-high 22 points and six rebounds, while Purugganan contributed 13 points and Mercado added 11.
The Junior Archers will seek their first win of the second round when they face the University of the Philippines Integrated School, also next Thursday.
The Scores:
FEU–D 82 – Calma 16, Barlan 13, Alsola 11, Cruz 10, Ira 8, Mampao 7, Samonte 6, Maghinay 5, Isip 3, Garcia 2, Madrigal 1.
DLSZ 76 – Villaruz 22, E. Purugganan 13, Mercado 11, Dizon 6, Quillo 6, Santiago 6, I. Purugganan 4, Enriquez 4, Paceno 2, Noel 2, Francisco 0.
Quarterscores: 20-15, 41-41, 60-61, 82-76.
