By: Joaquin Cortez
De La Salle Zobel stormed back in the second half to overcome University of the East, 89-80, for its second straight win in the UAAP Season 89 High School Boys’ 16-and-under Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
With the win, the Junior Archers improved to 7-3, keeping their hold on third place in the standings and strengthening their bid for a Final Four berth.
DLSZ once again proved its mastery of UE, having also defeated the Junior Warriors, 77-69, in the first round.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“We adjusted to the zone defense ng UE. So they were playing 3-2, and I told the guys just to stick with it, be more aggressive attacking the gaps and locating the shooters,” said head coach Hyram Bagatsing.
“Definitely a big win for us. But we try not to focus too much on the standings. We wanna make sure that we keep our standard of play and we believe that everything else will take care of the rest,” he added.
Despite trailing by as many as 13 points before halftime, the Junior Archers mounted a strong comeback in the third quarter, outscoring UE, 23-10, to seize a 60-57 lead heading into the final period.
After Mikko Noel extended DLSZ’s advantage to seven with five straight points, the Junior Warriors responded with an 8-3 run to cut the deficit to two.
However, the Junior Archers stayed composed and rebuilt their lead, stretching it to double digits at 83-73 as UE continued to struggle offensively.
“I think that I wasn’t nervous because I know that I put in the work. I know that as long as we stick to the system and we play our best, the results will show,” said Rye Villaruz, who led DLSZ with 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting, along with eight rebounds and three steals.
Enzo Purugganan added 14 points, while Noel chipped in 12 points and five rebounds.
The Junior Archers will look to extend their winning streak when they face the Adamson Baby Falcons on Thursday, October 29, at 3 p.m. at the same venue.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, UE suffered a setback in its Final Four bid, dropping to 5-5 and falling into a tie for fourth place with the University of Santo Tomas.
Zion Aguilar led the Junior Warriors with 16 points, while Kurt Mercado and Odrie Mallabo contributed 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Austin Delos Santos recorded eight points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists in the losing effort.
The Junior Warriors will look to bounce back when they take on the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Thursday, October 29, at 11 a.m. at the same venue.
The Scores:
DLSZ 89 – Villaruz 26, E. Purugganan 14, Noel 12, Enriquez 9, I. Purugganan 9, Santiago 8, Mercado 5, Paceno 4, Dizon 2, Quillo 0, Francisco 0.
UE 80 – Aguilar 16, K. Mercado 15, Mallabo 13, Delos Santos 8, Roxas 8, Sena 7, Redulfa 6, Dizon 4, J. Mercado 2, Ancheta 1, Velayo 0.
Quarterscores: 22-21, 37-47, 60-57, 89-80.
