De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas’ bids for back-to-back championships in the UAAP Men’s and Women’s 3×3 divisions, respectively, started in full swing on the first day of the Season 86 competition at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay on Thursday.
The Green Archers needed to execute late, banking on Jonnel Policarpio’s two layups in overtime to fend off National University, 19-17.
They later had their way against University of the East for the 21-15 win with 17.2 ticks left, earning a 2-0 record.
Reigning MVP CJ Austria, Joshua David, and Aaron Buensalida rounded out the quartet of De La Salle.
“Kami ang defending champion, kaya ginagawa namin ang best namin every game. Malaking advantage sa amin na 2-0 kami agad,” said Austria, who had 11 and nine points in their two matches.
On the other hand, the Growling Tigresses’ four of Tantoy Ferrer, Tacky Tacatac, Kent Pastrana, and Rocel Dionisio simply dominated their foes.
They finished off Ateneo de Manila University with 2:22 to go, 21-5, before ending University of the Philippines with 3:51 remaining, 21-9.
“Yung mantra lang namin ang sinusunod namin, yung BTS: Believe, Trust, Surrender,” said Ferrer. “Stay humble pa rin – back to zero kami. Oo nasa isip namin yung nag-champion kami pero still, back to zero kami.”
Adamson University, who fielded Ray Allen Torres, Allen Ignacio, Emman Anabo, and Kenji Cañete, also exited the day unscathed on the men’s side.
They took a thrilling win over UST, 21-20, and a 22-18 decision over three-man UP, which fielded Harold Alarcon, Francis Lopez, and Chicco Briones.
Torres lived up to his ‘Ray Allen’ name by making back-to-back triples to turn a 17-20 deficit into a 21-20 victory against the Growling Tigers. Meanwhile, it was Ignacio who buried the game-winner with 1:13 left against the Fighting Maroons.
UP played the final one minute and 12 seconds with just two players as Alarcon suffered from leg cramps.
The Fighting Maroons actually opened the day on a winning note, defeating the Blue Eagles, 21-15, with Briones making the final deuce with 1.1 seconds left.
UST also tripped Ateneo to end the first day, 21-15, thanks to an Angelo Crisostomo putback from a Nic Cabañero miss. Kendall Valentin and SJ Moore complete the four of the Tigers.
Far Eastern University also ended up with a 1-1 card due to a win over UE, 21-14, and a loss to the Bulldogs, 8-21.
In the other women’s matches, the Lady Archers also went 2-0 after a massive escape over the Lady Bulldogs, 16-15. They also won against the Lady Warriors, 19-11.
It was Ann Mendoza who played hero for De La Salle. Her layup with three seconds left proved to be the game-winner against NU.
Joining Mendoza were Lee Sario, Bettina Binaohan, and Luisa San Juan.
NU’s Angel Surada, Marylene Solis, Ann Pingol, and Tin Cayabyab defeated Adamson University to start their day, 21-14 with 1:49 to spare.
However, the Lady Falcons’ Elaine Etang, April Tano, Kat Agojo, and Cheska Apag rebounded against UE in their second game, 19-11.
The Lady Tamaraws’ team of Shane Salvani, Maxene Dela Torre, MJ Manguiat, and Rea Ong also split their games.
They took a 21-15 triumph over the Blue Eagles to atone for their 16-21 defeat to the Fighting Maroons’ Achrissa Maw, Christie Bariquit, Kaye Pesquera, and Marielle Vingno.
NU, UP, FEU, and Adamson all finished at 1-1. On the other hand, UE and Ateneo were winless after two outings.
