Jedric Daa scored 16 points while VJ Pre produced a double-double outing of 13 points and 10 rebounds as Far Eastern University-Diliman overpowered UP Integrated School, 97-59, for its second straight victory Sunday in the UAAP Season 85 high school boys basketball tournament at the San Andres Sports Complex.
Coach Allan Albano is satisfied with the Baby Tamaraws’ ranking after five games.
“At least nasa Final Four position pa rin kami kahit sabihin nating maaga pang sabihin. Nasa maganda kaming position na 4-1,” said Albano, back after missing the previous match. “Kailangang mag-improve kami sa decision making at ‘yung mindset, kasi minsan, nagre-relax ang mga bata.”
Earlier, University of the East pulled off a stunning 84-79 upset of Ateneo High School to enter the win column after four straight defeats.
Ken Arcega scored the game’s biggest basket, a lay-up off a Justine Gatchalian assist to give the Junior Warriors the needed separation at 82-75, with 1:12 remaining.
The Blue Eagles loss, the third in five games, negated Kristian Porter’s 34-point explosion.
“Their perspective during the game, they are very positive to beat Ateneo,” said UE team official Gerry Venturina, speaking on behalf of coach Ronnie Dojillo. “Of course, the ball is round. We don’t know what will be the outcome of the game and we are grateful that we emerged as the winner of this game.”
Vhon Roldan led the Junior Warriors with 24 points, four rebounds, and two steals, Gatchalian had nine points, five steals, and two assists, while Andei De Leon contributed eight assists, eight points, and six rebounds to go with +15 efficiency.
Kobe Demisana had 23 points and 10 rebounds while Jonas Napalang and Daryl Valdeavilla each had 12 points for the Junior Fighting Maroons.
UPIS is now mired on a four-game slide after nipping UE on opening day.