University of the East roared back from its last setback, dismantling University of the Philippines Integrated School, 104-60, while De La Salle Zobel edged archrival Ateneo de Manila University in an overtime thriller, 73-65, to return to the win column of the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Junior Warriors wasted no time recovering from their 66-75 loss to defending champions Adamson University Baby Falcons last Thursday.
On the other hand, Kieffer Alas carried DLSZ through regulation, with Bonn Daja stepping up in overtime to secure their second extra-period victory this season.
With their bounce-back wins, UE and DLSZ improved to identical 2-1 records.
“Happy ako because nag-adjust at bumawi ‘yung mga boys namin. Pero again, mataas ‘yung expectations ko sa team na ito. Tinalo kami ng UP last year, which was their only win. The only thing we have to do is respect the opponent,” said UE head coach Karl Santos.
UE set the tone early, racing to a 55-26 halftime lead behind the hot shooting of Kristoper Lagat and Lance Sabroso, who combined for 25 points in the first two quarters.
The Warriors’ blistering start overwhelmed the Maroons, who struggled with a 9-of-26 shooting clip and committed 15 turnovers in the opening half.
UE weathered a third-quarter push from UP and sealed the deal with a 30-15 fourth-quarter blitz.
The Junior Warriors shot an impressive 40-of-72 (55.6%) from the field and dominated the boards (40-29), assists (20-8), and steals (14-6).
UE’s balanced attack featured eight players scoring at least eight points.
Lagat led the charge with 14 points, including 4-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc, while Sabroso added 13 points, two assists, one rebound, and one steal.
Louie Bual contributed 10 points, three steals, and two rebounds, with Xedric Diaz adding nine points and four assists.
Ivorian center Jean Bana, Edry Alejandro, Kyle Timbol, and Mhico Abellar also chipped in solid performances to cap off the commanding win.
In the other morning game, DLSZ relied on Alas and Daja to overcome a resilient Ateneo side in a nail-biter.
Alas scored eight of the Junior Archers’ 13 fourth-quarter points, while Daja delivered clutch back-to-back and-one layups in overtime to secure the victory.
Games Thursday (FilOil EcoOil Centre)
8 a.m. – UST vs UE (Boys)
10 a.m. – FEU-D vs UPIS (Boys)
12 noon – NUNS vs Ateneo (Boys)
2 p.m. – AdU vs DLSZ (Boys)
4 p.m. – DLSZ vs NUNS (Girls)