SHOOTING guard Jacob Estrera struck with a triple in the last 3.4 seconds, lifting the University of the Philippines Integrated School Junior Maroons to an 83-81 beating of the University of the East Squires last Sunday at the Arena in San Juan.
The 6’0” Estrera only had nine points, but his baskets sent the Junior Maroons to their first win in three games in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines junior basketball tournament.
“He (coach) told me to be confident and take every opportunity,” said the 18-year-old Estrera, whose basket came after the Junior Maroons fought their way out of a six-point deficit in the last four minutes.
Matt Santiago led with 19 points, including a three-pointer in the last 2:02 that put UPIS close, 73-74.
“We were focused on our offense in the first three quarters. On the fourth, du’n sila nag-focus sa defense,” said UPIS coach Paolo Mendoza, who used to play for the team when he was still in high school.
Their 1-2 win-loss slate allowed them to catch up with the Adamson Baby Falcons.
Agem Miranda made 23 points for winless UE, while Dustin Angeles shot 13.
The Nazareth School-National University Bullpups and the Ateneo Blue Eagles share the lead after posting their third straight wins.
The Bullpups banked on Rhayyan Amsali, Terrence Fortea and Matthew Manalang in the last period to put away the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs, 89-85.
The Blue Eaglets, led by Enrico Manuel with 16 points, pummeled the defending champion Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws, 59-47.
The Adamson Baby Falcons celebrated their first triumph under new coach Mike Fermin as they beat the La Salle Zobel Junior Archers, 62-58, with Andrey Doria shooting 15 points.
