Redemption-seeking University of Santo Tomas and National University Nazareth School opened their UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball campaigns with convincing wins on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena in Manila.
The Tiger Cubs, runners-up last season, blasted University of the Philippines Integrated School, 114-61, to shrug off the graduation of key players Dustin Bathan and Jhon Canapi as well as the departure of Andwele Cabañero to Letran.
Miguel Jubilado paced UST with 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and five steals, while newcomer Rowie Cabañero — cousin of Andwele and Growling Tiger Nic — impressed with 18 points, 11 assists, five rebounds, and three steals for a staggering plus-46 rating in his debut.
“Sa totoo lang, hindi ako satisfied sa pinakita nila dahil doon sa preparations namin, hindi ko nakita yung gusto ko na mangyari. Pero dahil nanalo kami, thankful pa rin kami doon sa resulta ng game,” said Tiger Cubs head coach Noli Mejos.
CJ Tabbuga added 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting in his first UAAP game, while birthday boy Gab Castro chipped in 13 markers. UST’s 53-point blowout was the largest margin in UAAP junior high play since NUNS’ 70-point romp over Adamson in Season 86.
UPIS actually started strong with a 7-1 edge, but UST answered with a 30-5 blitz to end the opening frame up 31-12, then never looked back. Holdovers Kean Poquiz (22 points) and John Addatu (18 points, nine rebounds) carried the load for UPIS, which remained winless dating back to Season 87.
Meanwhile, the Bullpups of NUNS stamped their class on defending champions University of the East, 86-64, behind Malian center Moussa Diakite’s near triple-double of 15 points, nine blocks, and eight rebounds.
Diakite, who stands 6-foot-10, nearly matched Kai Sotto’s league record of 11 blocks in a single game, swatting away eight shots in the first half alone. His presence anchored a 19-5 third-quarter run that gave NUNS a 31-point lead, effectively spoiling the UE coaching debut of Matthew Sia.
Laguna’s Mark Arzola chipped in 14 points and six rebounds, while veterans David Sabareza (11 points) and Nick Peña (10 points) gave steady support.
“Redemption time, ‘yon lang yung sinabi ko sa mga bata na hindi ko sinabi sa kanila na Final Four lang, we’re looking for the championship kasi pag sinabi mo na Final Four lang, baka after Final Four, hindi na sila umangat,” said new Bullpups mentor Leo Pujante, who replaced Kevin de Castro.
UE, left with only team captain Goodluck Okebata from its title-winning roster, was paced by Okebata’s 15 points and nine rebounds, while James Mesa posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards. (AC)
The post UST Tiger Cubs, NUNS Bullpups record lopsided wins first appeared on Fastbreak.
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