GAB DELOS REYES LEADS UE TO FIRST FINAL FOUR SPOT
GAB Delos Reyes showcased his formidable form yet again, leading the University of the East (UE) Junior Warriors to a decisive 72-59 victory over defending champion National University Nazareth School (NUNS). The win not only extended UE's unbeaten streak to 10 games but also secured them the first Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.
The 16-year-old forward, a recent transfer from Lourdes School QC, recorded his second consecutive double-double performance, racking up 16 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. His efforts helped UE overcome a determined NUNS squad that was on a three-game win streak dating back to October 5.
The Junior Warriors, who narrowly escaped with an 80-78 win over UST just days before, were put to the test against the Bullpups. But they answered the challenge, digging deep to come out on top in the game’s crucial moments. “NU fought hard as expected. The second round is different—really different,” UE head coach Andrew Estrella remarked. “Hopefully, my boys will realize that we can’t play for just one half. Of course, it’s a game of adjustments, but we prepared well, especially in the fourth quarter.”
Unlike their dominant 89-64 win against NUNS in the first round, UE had to battle this time, especially after NU’s Nick Pena sank a three-pointer early in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 51. However, the Junior Warriors responded with a 12-2 surge, creating a comfortable 62-53 lead with just under five minutes remaining.
Zui Urea tried to rally the Bullpups with a late triple, but UE’s Enrico Bungar quickly answered with two inside baskets. A layup from Brian Orca with under two minutes to play effectively sealed the Junior Warriors’ 10th consecutive victory.
For Estrella, the tightly contested game was a valuable experience for his team. “These tough situations are essential in preparing us for what lies ahead. We’re learning resilience and composure, and there’s a clear growth in maturity game by game,” he noted.
UE’s offensive efforts were bolstered by Mav Mesina, who finished with 11 points, nine assists, five steals, two rebounds, and one block. Goodluck Okebata added 10 points, six rebounds, and one steal, while Jolo Pascual contributed eight points, four rebounds, three steals, two assists, and one block. Neil Garcia added depth with six points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Looking ahead, the Junior Warriors are now aiming for their 11th consecutive win, as they prepare to face Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday, November 9, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
