University of the East dethroned inaugural division champion National University Nazareth School, 85-64, to secure a spot in the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Tournament Finals on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
UE’s championship opponent is yet to be determined, as third-ranked University of Santo Tomas kept its title hopes alive by defeating Far Eastern University-Diliman, 84-75, disarming them of their twice-to-beat advantage.
The Junior Warriors enter the championship round with momentum, having won 14 of their last 15 games. Their only loss of the season came at the hands of the Baby Tamaraws in an 81-66 defeat on November 24.
After falling short in last year’s Final Four to FEU-D in an overtime thriller, UE has finally secured a return to the division’s championship round.
“Our game plan was executed by the boys. Wala akong hihilingin pa. They stuck with the game plan from the first quarter, then in the second quarter, we really took control. Yung consistency like before I said nung halftime, ‘yon ang hanap ko ‘eh, yung consistency from first to fourth, especially heading into the finals,” said Junior Warriors head coach Andrew Estrella.
Following two free throws by Chester Tulabut that narrowed NUNS’ deficit to 34-25, Mav Mesina erupted for 13 points, fueling a 20-11 surge by UE in the second quarter and giving them a commanding 54-36 lead at halftime.
Back-to-back triples by Jolo Pascual and Mesina pushed the Bullpups into a 21-point hole with 7:48 left, further securing UE’s finals spot and showcasing their dominance over NUNS.
Mesina led the charge for UE with 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting, five assists, three rebounds, and three steals, while Pascual added 12 points, three rebounds, and one steal.
Jared Ferreros contributed 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Neil Garcia and Gab Delos Reyes also chipped in 11 points each, completing UE’s five double-digit scorers.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, UST not only disarmed the Baby Tamaraws of their twice-to-beat incentive, but also ended FEU-D’s six-game winning streak.
Coincidentally, the Tiger Cubs were the last team to defeat FEU-D, pulling off a come-from-behind 76-75 win in their second round opener on October 16.
UST and FEU-D will face off for the final finals ticket on Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Nakita ko nga na hindi sila nagstruggle doon sa paghabol ng FEU, naging composed sila unlike sa eliminations pag nahahabol kami. Siguro dahil preparado rin lahat, nakaadjust lahat at nagkakumpyansa rin. Pumapasok yung tira namin nung last minutes, binigay na ni Lord sa amin,” said Tiger Cubs head coach Noli Mejos.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Trailing by 10 points to open the payoff period, 57-67, Anton Lopez scored eight points in a 14-4 run by the Baby Tamaraws, tying the game at 71-all with 5:15 remaining.
However, UST answered with four consecutive triples from Miguel Jubilado, Jhon Canapi, and Dustin Bathan, pulling away for an 84-73 lead with 1:32 left, ensuring a do-or-die clash for the last finals spot.
Canapi finished with 26 points, four steals, three rebounds, three assists, and one block, while Andwele Cabanero flirted with a triple-double, posting 15 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and one steal.
Bathan added 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Gab Castro had his best game of the season, scoring 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting, along with five rebounds and two assists.
Despite shooting just 8-of-21 from the field, Lopez contributed 23 points, three assists, and two rebounds, while Prince Carino posted a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds.
Lakay Pasinos also recorded a double-double, finishing with 10 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Mac Tadeo led NUNS in the loss with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one block.
Chester Tulabut, limited to 11 points on 3-of-8 shooting, added 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
The Scores:
First Game:
UE (85) – Mesina 19, Pascual 12, Ferreros 11, Garcia 11, Delos Reyes 11, Oraa 6, Panganiban 5, Bungar 4, Orca 4, Okebata 2, Dalosa 0.
NUNS (64) – Tadeo 17, Tulabut 11, N. Pena 7, Quinto 7, Sabareza 6, Y. Pena 6, Khobuntin 5, Vitug 3, Reroma 2, Urea 0, Toring 0, Gutierrez 0, Maranan 0.
Quarterscores: 24-17, 54-36, 67-50, 85-64.
Second Game:
UST (84) – Canapi 26, Cabanero 15, Bathan 15, Castro 14, Jubilado 11, Balague 2, Guerrero 1, Villacarlos 0.
FEU-D (75) – Lopez 23, Carino 13, Pasinos 10, Santos 9, Miranda 5, Enriquez 5, Dulin 3, Pingris 2, Lassiter 2, Diaz 2, Victoria 0, Pineda 0, Barlan 0.
Quarterscores: 19-23, 41-38, 67-57, 84-75.
