University of the East defended its home floor, romping past University of Santo Tomas, 94-81, to bounce back in the UAAP Season 89 boys’ 16-and-under basketball tournament on Friday at the Lucio K. Tan Jr. Gym.
It was a historic win for the Junior Warriors, as it marked the first UAAP game held at the venue, which is named in honor of former Red Warriors head coach Bong Tan.
“This is history for our school na first UAAP game here. We are so honored na kami ang nakagawa nun at malaking achievement ito for the kids,” said Junior Warriors head coach Paulo Hubalde, himself a former Red Warrior.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
The gym was packed with UE students, whose energy never let up from tip-off to the final buzzer.
“Masaya kasi ang daming nanonood. Yung magulang ko, kapatid ko, at mga classmates ko nandito. Ang daming tao at buti naipakita namin ang laro namin sa kanila,” said Jadan Sena, the son of former PBA pro James, who finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Jaden Roxas provided the spark for UE early, scoring 10 of his 14 points in the first 10 minutes to give the home team a 29-20 lead.
It was all Junior Warriors from there. Sena, Xerone Dizon, and Odrie Mallabo took charge offensively while also anchoring the defense to stifle the visiting Junior Tiger Cubs.
UE’s lead ballooned to as high as 24 points, 92-68, midway through the final frame before Hubalde pulled out his starters.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Sinasabi ko naman sa kanila na to always give your heart out when you play and always do the right thing. Although maraming cancelled games, malaking tulong yung loss namin sa NU. It showed what we needed to work on, including sharpening yung skillset namin,” said Hubalde, referring to UE’s close 79-83 loss to defending champion NUNS last August 21 at the FEU-Diliman Gym.
Dizon finished with 12 points and nine rebounds, while Mallabo added 12 points and eight rebounds.
Andrie Ancheta, Kurt Mercado, and Jankiel Velayo also chipped in nine points each as UE improved to 2-1, while UST dropped to 1-2.
The Junior Tiger Cubs, who were coming off an 86-77 win over the UPIS Fighting Maroons, were led by Wayne Anggot, who finished with 11 points and six rebounds.
The Scores:
UE 94 – Roxas 14, Sena 13, Dizon 12, Mallabo 12, Ancheta 9, Mercado K. 9, Velayo 9, Delos Santos 8, Redulfa 5, Aguilar 3, Mercado J. 0, Pontipedra 0, Radin 0, Maddara 0, Riparip 0, Apostol 0.
UST 81 – Anggot 11, Macasarte 9, Duenas 9, Bathan 8, Austria 8, Cuello 7, Samaniego 5, Cabañero 5, Umbana 5, Esusan 5, Eusebio 3, Retaga 3, Olango 0, Collado 0, Abototo 0.
Quarterscores: 29-20, 54-41, 76-59, 94-81.
