University of the East secured the last ticket to the Final Four with a dominant 96-67 victory over University of the Philippines Integrated School in the UAAP Season 89 High School Boys’ 16-and-under Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
With the win, the Junior Warriors improved to 8-5 and officially clinched the fourth and final Final Four berth, securing their first postseason appearance since their championship run in Season 87.
In his first season at the helm of UE’s 16U squad, Paulo Hubalde expressed his satisfaction with leading the team back to the Final Four. The former Red Warriors guard is also handling the men’s team, which recently snapped a two-year winless spell.
“UE hasn’t made the Final Four [since 2024], so we have a chance to do something great today. Yun ang sinabi ko sa kanila before the game,” Hubalde said. “Wala akong masabi, I’m very proud of what they have done. Hindi pa tapos ang laban, syempre gusto pa rin namin to continue and make UE proud.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
From the opening tip, the Junior Warriors hounded the Junior Fighting Maroons defensively, limiting their scoring opportunities while dominating the rebounding battle.
UE had already built a commanding 31-point halftime lead behind Kurt Mercado’s 17 points, with the team shooting an impressive 60.5 percent from the field.
The Junior Warriors continued their onslaught in the second half, stretching their advantage to as many as 42 points in the third quarter.
Hubalde eventually utilized all 16 players as UE cruised to the 96-67 victory.
“Grateful po ako kasi rookie season ko din po ‘to and Final Four kami. Thank you po kay God kasi na-guide niya po kami this season,” said Mercado.
Mercado finished with 24 points, including six three-pointers on eight attempts, while Odrie Mallabo contributed 13 points and eight rebounds.
Xerone Dizon chipped in 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
UE will face fellow Final Four-bound Far Eastern University-Diliman on November 17 at the DLSZ Sports Pavilion.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons, who had already been eliminated from Final Four contention, fell to 2-11.
Zandro Lugatiman paced UPIS with 25 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
Kean Poquiz added 16 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while Hubert Bautista chipped in 12 points in the losing effort.
UPIS will close out its campaign against University of Santo Tomas, also on November 17 at the Alabang venue.
The Scores:
UE 96 — K. Mercado 24, Mallabo 13, Dizon 12, Roxas 8, Pontipedra 7, Aguilar 6, Ancheta 5, Redulfa 5, Delos Santos 4, Sena 4, Velayo 4, J. Mercado 2, Maddara 2, Apostol 0, Radin 0, Riparip 0.
UPIS 67 — Lugatiman 25, Poquiz 16, Bautista 12, Labao 5, Santos 4, Avendano 3, Rico 2, Romey 0, Sarthou 0, Sebastian 0, Floirendo 0, David 0.
Quarterscores: 31-12, 61-33, 81-44, 96-67.
