UE EDGES ATENEO, MOVES CLOSER TO FIRST-ROUND SWEEP
University of the East (UE) overcame a resilient Ateneo de Manila University squad to claim a 70-59 victory, moving one step closer to sweeping the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After a dominant wire-to-wire win over inaugural champion NUNS, the Junior Warriors encountered a stiffer challenge from Ateneo, which tested their resolve, especially in the second half. Despite Ateneo’s third-quarter surge, UE found their rhythm in the final period, maintaining their perfect 6-0 record and solidifying their position atop the eight-team standings.
UE head coach Andrew Estrella was pleased with his team's ability to withstand pressure.
“Their composure was tested,” Estrella remarked. “What happened today will be very healthy for us this season. At least they felt the different situations on how to stop momentum or recover from a run.”
The Junior Warriors built a comfortable 16-point lead midway through the third quarter, but Ateneo mounted a fierce comeback, using a 13-2 run to trim UE's lead to just three points, 52-49, entering the final quarter.
However, UE responded in kind, unleashing a 14-2 run powered by Kiefer Panganiban, Jared Ferreros, Enrico Bungar, and Ethan Oraa to end Ateneo’s comeback hopes. With that burst, the Junior Warriors preserved their unblemished record and maintained their momentum heading into their final first-round match against the Adamson Baby Falcons this Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Estrella emphasized the importance of taking each game step-by-step.
“I’m happy with where we are right now, but it’s one game at a time for us. We prepare for each opponent with full focus and preparation,” he said.
Enrico Bungar led the way for UE with an impressive all-around performance, tallying 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals while posting a game-high plus-22 rating in just under 28 minutes of action.
Goodluck Okebata, a Filipino-Nigerian prospect contributed a solid double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, providing crucial support on both ends of the court.
