UNIVERSITY of the Philippines held off University of the East 101-94 in overtime yesterday as the UAAP juniors’ basketball tournament returned at The Arena in San Juan after being mothballed for three years.
Basty Jacob, Marcus Raymundo, Jonas Napalang, Rocco Melicor, and Kobe Demisana delivered for the UPIS crew of coach Paolo Mendoza.
Jacob led the way for the Junior Maroons with 19 points, nine rebounds, and four steals, while Daryl Valdeavilla chipped in 18 markers.
The 6-foot-8 Demisana lived up to his lofty billing in his debut with 17 points, 14 boards, four assists, and four blocks for UPIS, while Napalang and Melicor had 17 and 16, respectively.
The Junior Maroons only won one game in the last cage wars in 2020.
“Iyong panalo namin masaya dahil since 2020, hinihintay po namin ito especially sa kagaya ni Kobe na rookie, first time niya to experience this. (We) wanted it more,” Mendoza said.
In the second game, University of Santo Tomas repulsed La Salle Zobel 56-46.
James Jumao-as shoe for the Tiger Cubs with 17 points and four caroms, while JP Pangilinan had 10 markers.
Charles Esteban also had 10 points for UST.
“Natutuwa ako sa mga graduating namin, nag-step up sila like si James Jumao-as, JP Pangilinan, si Mark Llemit,” Tiger Cubs strategist Jiniño Manansala said.
Rhyle Melencio had 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Junior Archers.
JD Malonzo had 15 points for UE, while Andrei De Leon and Drei Gragasin contributed 13 points each.
