Playing on its home floor, University of Santo Tomas came out firing, setting the tone for a commanding 90-59 victory over the University of the Philippines Integrated School in the UAAP Season 87 Juniors High School Basketball Tournament, Saturday morning at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The backcourt duo of Jhon Canapi and Andwele Cabañero led the charge in the Tiger Cubs’ explosive 29-11 first quarter, with Canapi scoring 10 points and Cabañero adding eight, outscoring the Junior Fighting Maroons on their own.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Although UPIS matched UST’s scoring in the second period, the Tiger Cubs continued their rampage in the third quarter, outscoring their opponents 28-14 to build a commanding 32-point lead heading into the final frame, 75-43.
“Mas happy ako today kesa sa first game namin against UPIS na hirap na hirap kami. Maganda ‘yung naging response ng mga player ko this game,” said UST head coach Noli Mejos, recalling their earlier 87-53 win over UPIS in the first round, where his team needed a second-quarter run to gain control.
“Kung puwede lang, home court kami palagi, mas okay ‘yun,” he added jokingly, as they played comfortably in their home gym. “Talagang dito kami nagti-training, talagang advantage talaga. Puwede ba i-request yun na dito na lang palagi?”
Canapi finished with 30 points on an efficient 10-of-16 shooting from the field and grabbed six rebounds for the Tiger Cubs, who improved to 6-3, solidifying their hold on third place.
Cabañero nearly notched a triple-double, recording 16 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. Miguel Jubilado and Dustin Bathan also contributed 11 and nine points, respectively.
UST’s next game will be on October 30 against the unbeaten University of the East at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Jhustin Hallare led UPIS with 25 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, but the Junior Fighting Maroons remained winless after nine games.
Bruce Tubongbanua added 17 points and 16 rebounds, but he and Hallare continue to seek more support from their teammates.
UPIS will look to secure their first win next Saturday when they face National University Nazareth School, also at the Pasay venue.
The Scores:
UST 90 – Canapi 30, Cabañero 16, Jubilado 11, Bathan 9, Castro 8, Lim 4, Javier 4, Balague 2, Yu 2, Duenas 2, Guerrero 2, Villacarlos 0, Aguilar 0, Guinto 0.
UPIS 59 – Hallare 25, Tubongbanua 17, Addatu 7, Repane 3, Gepitan 2, Cobico 2, Rosete 2, Poquiz 1, Lugatiman 0, Labao 0, Baldovino 0, Manguerra 0.
Quarterscores: 29-11, 47-29, 75-43, 90-59.
