University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University-Diliman, and De La Salle Zobel secured the first three semifinals spots in the UAAP Season 88 19-and-under 3×3 Basketball Tournament on Friday at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque.
The Tiger Cubs remained unbeaten, taking down the Adamson University Baby Falcons, 21-14, before dispatching the National University Nazareth School Bullpups, 21-17.
With the twin victories, UST improved to a pristine 6-0 record after the fourth day of the tournament, which is supported by Wilson Philippines and Ayala Malls and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
Joaqui Ludovice caught fire for the Tiger Cubs against the Baby Falcons, pouring in 10 points built on four deuces, while Kirk Cañete added seven points, six rebounds, and one assist.
UST leaned on a collective effort in its narrow win over NUNS, with Jhon Melano scoring eight points, while Charles Esteban and Cañete chipped in five apiece.
“Siguro yung puso namin, kailangan naming ipakita na gustong-gusto namin talaga ito hanggang sa Finals. Hindi ‘yung dito lang kami sa simula, tapos sa bandang dulo, ibibigay namin. Gusto namin at kailangan namin na sama-sama kami at lalaban kami hanggang dulo,” Ludovice said.
Right behind the Tiger Cubs are the Baby Tamaraws and the Junior Archers, who sit in second and third place with 5-1 and 4-2 records, respectively.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
FEU-D leaned on Adrian Alagaban’s game-winning two-pointer to escape with a 21-19 win over University of the East.
JB Cagurungan and Marc Burgos then combined for 15 points in another thrilling 21-17 victory against DLSZ.
“Siguro nga, ito kumpleto kasi kami. Kahit wala si Cabs [Cabonilas], meron namang papalit sa ginagawa niya at meron namang pupuno sa mga ginagawa niya. Kailangan lang din naming magtiwala sa isa’t isa at sa sistema,” Burgos said.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Despite a loss to the Baby Tamaraws to end the day, the Junior Archers still advanced to the semifinals after edging the Bullpups, 18-17, behind a game-winning jumper by graduating guard Champ Arejola at the buzzer.
Battling NUNS (3-3) for the final semifinal spot are UE and University of the Philippines Integrated School, both tied at 2-4 with one game remaining in the eliminations.
Ateneo and Adamson, who share identical 1-5 records, have been eliminated from semifinal contention.
In the girls’ division, archrivals NUNS and UST remained unscathed through two games, setting up a Finals clash for the third consecutive season after contrasting wins over Ateneo and DLSZ.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Sofia Petalcorin led the charge with six points, five rebounds, and two blocks as the Junior Growling Tigresses cruised to a 17-7 win over the Blue Eagles.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
On the other hand, the Lady Bullpups carved out a 16-10 victory against the Junior Lady Archers, powered by KJ Badajos’ eight-point performance.
In the 16-and-under division, DLSZ pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament so far, handing FEU-D its first loss, 21-16, to create a five-way tie for third place with Adamson, UST, NUNS, and UE.
Against the previously unbeaten Baby Tamaraws, Enzo Purugganan led the way with seven points and four rebounds, while Fonsie Mercado and David Dizon added six points each.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Despite the setback, FEU-D still became the first team to advance to the semifinals after a 21-16 win over NUNS earlier in the day.
On the final day of eliminations at the same Parañaque venue, six teams will battle for the remaining three semifinal spots.
With 3×3 rules breaking ties based on total points scored, UST and NUNS currently lead the 3-3 logjam with 112 points each, followed closely by Adamson (111), UE (110), and DLSZ (91).
UPIS, meanwhile, was eliminated from semifinal contention after going winless in six games.
