By Jerome Lagunzad
Ateneo and National University pulled off contrasting victories last Sunday to sustain their unbeaten start in the UAAP juniors basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Blue Eaglets put the clamps down on reigning titlist Far Eastern University-Diliman, limiting the Baby Tamaraws to just five points in the second period on the way to a 59-47 victory – their third straight in as many matches.
Not to be outdone were the Bullpups, who came back from nine points down and rallied for a hard-earned 89-85 win – also their third consecutive – over University of Santo Tomas.
Enrico Manuel had an all-around performance of 16 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks while SJ Belangel added 15 points and seven boards as Ateneo stepped on the gas in the second period en route to its third double-digit victory, underscoring its readiness to go all the way.
Rhayyan Amsali came up with 17 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and two assists to help the Bullpups turn things around in the second half and deal the Tiger Cubs their first loss in three matches.
LJ Gonzales and RJ Abarrientos combined for 25 points for FEU-Diliman, which also dropped to a 2-1 mark.
In other matches, Adamson held off De La Salle-Zobel, 62-58, while UP Integrated School squeaked past University of the East, 83-81.
Andrey Doria had 15 points and eight rebounds to steer the Baby Falcons to their first victory after two straight matches.
Sharing a fair share of the limelight were the Junior Maroons, who drew 19 points and 11 rebounds from Matt Santiago.
The Junior Archers and the Junior Warriors remained at the cellar with 0-3 marks.