UNIVERSITY of the East hurdled another contender, romping past inaugural champion National University Nazareth School in wire-to-wire fashion, 89-64, to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
It was another dominant win for the Junior Warriors, who went up to 5-0 to lead the field in this tournament that has been promoted to regular status this season.
UE coach Andrew Estrella praised his team’s performance, emphasizing their commitment to the game plan. “Ginawa lang nila yung trabaho nila,” he stated. “What we did in practice and our game plan, they stuck to it.”
A key factor in UE’s success against NUNS was the balanced scoring with five Warriors reaching double digits.
Tarlac native Jolo Pascual, who entered the game averaging 9.5 points, led the charge, contributing 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Additionally, 14-year-old point guard Mav Mesina, a member of last season’s team, recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists, while Neil Garcia added 12 points to the team’s tally.
Enrico Bungar and Gab Delos Reyes both scored 10 points, and Fil-Nigerian Goodluck Okebata not only scored seven points but also grabbed 10 rebounds, highlighting UE’s depth.
“It’s a total team effort talaga,” Estrella remarked. “Not only with the players but from the management, coaching staff—everyone is working hard. Every practice, talagang inaalagaan ng mga PTs namin yung mga players ko. That’s it. We just work as a team. Feel ko that’s the key to our success.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, Adamson University celebrated its first-ever victory in the division, securing an 85-70 win over University of the Philippines Integrated School.
This win was particularly significant for former Soaring Falcon and current Baby Falcons coach Alex Barrera, who played at the collegiate level from Seasons 77 to 79.
Despite the win, the 28-year-old mentor from Quezon province encouraged his players to focus on building momentum as they head into the second round.
“Siguro ito na yung start,” said Barrera, who went 0-6 in his first foray as head coach last season. “Ire-remind ko lagi yung mga bata na ito na siguro yung mamulat kayo na winning culture.”
Edison Jordan, a transferee from Mary and Jesus School, led the Baby Falcons with a strong performance, scoring 19 points while adding six rebounds and three assists.
Chrys Gomez also contributed 17 points, and both Craig Fongtong and Jhune Ondevilla added 10 points each, helping to solidify Barrera’s first-ever win as UAAP head coach.
Barrera reflected on his own experiences as a student-athlete, recalling the struggles of the team during his time under coach Kenneth Duremdes, who faced a challenging 1-13 record back in UAAP Season 77 (2014).
“Kasi na-remind ko rin sa kanila, nung ako’y isang player, isa ako dun sa time ni Coach Kenneth na 1-13 record,” he recalled. “Back then, we had Jericho Cruz, Ryan Monteclaro, and Jansen Rios. Yan yung lagi kong hinuhugot sa kanila: kami nga nun di kami tumigil maniwala na kaya naming manalo. What more kayo na bata na kaya niyo sumunod.”
The Bullpups, who now sit at sixth place with a 3-4 record, were led by Nick Peña, who scored 22 points. Chester Tulabut contributed 14 points and five rebounds to the team’s efforts.
Despite their struggles, the Junior Fighting Maroons fought hard, with standout performances from Jhustin Hallare, who posted 32 points and 12 rebounds, and Bruce Tubongbanua, who chipped in with 23 points and 11 rebounds, although the Junior Fighting Maroons fell to 0-5 in the tournament.
The Scores
First Game
AdU 85 – E. Jordan 19, Gomez 17, Fongtong 10, Ondevilla 10, Damian 9, Iledan 8, Banate 6, Fransman 2, Azurias 2, Alcantara 1, Tiamzon 1, Ang 0, Tuazon 0, K. Jordan 0.
UPIS 70 – Hallare 32, Tubongbanua 23, Addatu 4, Gepitan 3, Poquiz 3, Cobico 2, Rosete 2, Lugatiman 1, Manguerra 0, Labao 0, Repane 0.
Quarterscores: 23-16, 46-36, 68-56, 85-70
Second Game
UE 89 – Pascual 21, Mesina 13, Garcia 12, Bungar 10, Delos Reyed 10, Okebata 7, Ferreros 6, Orca 6, Panganiban 2, Oraa 2, Dalosa 0.
NUNS 64 – N. Peña 22, Tulabut 14, Urea 7, Sabareza 6, Y. Peña 6, Tadeo 3, Khobuntin 2, Gutierrez 2, Vitug 1, Reroma 1, Toring 0.
Quarterscores: 18-9, 47-25, 72-46, 89-64
