UE BATTLES BACK LAYOFF, EDGES UST TO STAY UNBEATEN

After a 14-day layoff, the University of the East unior Warriors emerged victorious in a tight 80-78 contest against the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs, remaining unbeaten in the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Originally set to face the NUNS Bullpups on October 20, the Junior Warriors' game was rescheduled to November 3 due to UST’s entrance exams, forcing them into an unexpected two-week break. Despite the interruption, UE displayed their trademark tenacity in a game that tested their resilience.

“We came from a two-week break, so medyo naghabol kami ng laro,” shared Junior Warriors head coach Andrew Estrella, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining rhythm after such a hiatus.

Unlike their commanding 69-51 win over UST back in September, this time UE had to battle against a relentless UST squad led by Dustin Bathan. Bathan played the entire game, putting on an impressive individual performance with 31 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals to keep UST within striking distance.

Gab Delos Reyes and Enrico Bungar led UE’s efforts, helping the Junior Warriors break open a narrow halftime lead with a powerful 20-12 third quarter, pushing their lead to 67-58 going into the final period. But UST did not go quietly, as Bathan’s explosive nine-point run late in the fourth brought the game to a 78-all tie with under two minutes remaining.

In the game’s closing moments, Delos Reyes hit a go-ahead shot with just 20.5 seconds left, putting UE in the driver’s seat. UST’s Jhon Canapi had a chance to equalize, but his missed layup allowed UE to escape with the narrow victory, marking their ninth consecutive win.

“Every game, whatever the result is, there’s always a lesson,” Estrella added, proud of his team’s ability to withstand UST’s late surge and come out on top.

Bungar finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Delos Reyes had an all-around impact with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks. Goodluck Okebata contributed on the boards, grabbing 13 rebounds alongside seven points, while Oraa also chipped in with 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

With this victory, UE holds the top position, solidifying their playoff chances, while UST’s loss drops them to a 6-4 record, narrowly holding onto third place.