In the three-season history of the UAAP Junior High School Basketball Tournament, only five triple-doubles have been recorded.
Two of those belong to the Cabañero family.
Former University of Santo Tomas guard Andwele was the first Cabañero to achieve the feat in Season 87, posting 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 105-71 win on November 27, 2024.
His cousin Rowie then became the second Cabañero to etch his name in the history books of triple-doubles in the 16-under tournament. He tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in the Tiger Cubs’ 92-82 victory over the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Masaya kasi siguradong proud ‘yung parents namin ni Andwele pero sa susunod na laro, mas may ipapakita pa po ako,” said Rowie after the win that put UST in a four-way tie for second place.
For Rowie to join his cousin on that exclusive list, he had to chase down the final rebound to complete the rare statline.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
One rebound short in the waning seconds of the match, the 5-foot-6 guard from Mahaplag, Leyte attempted a shot on the other rim to secure the triple-double. However, that was disallowed, giving the ball to FEU-D.
The Tiger Cubs then fouled Mark Isip while Rowie was still pursuing the elusive milestone. As if destined, Isip made the first free throw but missed the second, allowing Rowie to grab the rebound and complete his triple-double.
“Siyempre naiyak ako kasi first time ko. Hindi ko maipaliwanag sa sobrang saya,” said Rowie on the accomplishment.
The other three players who have recorded a triple-double in the Junior High School Tournament are UST’s Dustin Bathan, Ateneo’s Zane Kallos, and NUNS’ Clark Khobuntin.
Up next for the Tiger Cubs is a matchup against the Adamson Baby Falcons on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
There, Rowie aims to continue making his family proud in the way he knows best — through basketball.
