THE University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs, behind big man John Cansino and newcomer Kobe Palencia, upended the University of the Philippines Integrated School Junior Maroons, 97-62, last Saturday at the Arena in San Juan.
The 6’1” Cansino, who struck with 28 points and 11 rebounds, led a decisive 13-4 run in the start of the first half, lifting UST to its first win with three others in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines Junior Basketball Tournament.
Scoring 11 points in the third canto, Casino unloaded 10 of it in the last seven minutes, and from there, UST had little trouble taking charge.
“Nakuha ng mga bata ang kumpiyansa nila. Although, nung first and second quarter, nara-rattle pa,” said UST coach Christopher Cantonjos, who is on his second year of handling the team.
The Tiger Cubs had a five-point lead, 36-31, at halftime.
Four charities and a triple from Cansino allowed UST to move away for good, 43-33, with 7:27 left left.
Palencia, a Palarong Pambansa standout from Ormoc, was among eight newcomers in the Tiger Cubs, had a great with 23 point output that afternoon.
He helped widen UST’s edge with his three-point play and three-point shot off Batang Gilang standout Bismarck Lina’s pass in the last 6:17 to go.
From there, UST moved further away, 69-35.
The Junior Maroons, coached by Paolo Mendoza, got 15 points from Matt Santiago.
Earlier, defending champion Far Eastern University, Ateneo and National University also picked up their first wins.
The Baby Tams, who were in control for three quarters, held their ground as La Salle Zobel rallied in the fourth, and they got off with a 71-67 win.
LJ Gonzales showed the way for the Baby Tams with 16 points while RJ Abarrientos had 11.
Ateneo, with 7’1” center Kai Sotto firing a game-high 24 points, came off with an 82-64 smothering of the Adamson Baby Falcons.
Teammate SJ Belangel had 22 points while Dave Ildefonso added 17 for Ateneo.
Nazareth School of National University demolished the University of the East Junior Warriors, 107-69, and this gave new coach Goldwin Monteverde, who came from Adamson last season.
Matthew Manalang hit 20 points to lead the Bullpups while Rhyyan Amsali added 12.