MANILA – Far Eastern University and University of the East both secured their second victories, joining De La Salle-Zobel at the top of the UAAP Season 87 high school basketball standings.
In a dominant performance at Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Baby Tamaraws triumphed over National University Nazareth School, 89-71.
Prince Cariño led FEU with 14 points and nine rebounds. CP Miranda added 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Mark Dulin, Duke Santos, and Carl Diaz each contributed 11 points. Anton Lopez rounded out the effort with 10 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and two steals.
Despite a strong showing from Yujin Peña, who posted 18 points and 11 rebounds, the Bullpups remain winless. The same fate befell the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Maroons and Adamson University Baby Falcons, who are also yet to secure a win.
Baby Tamaraws assistant coach Arwind Santos emphasized their defensive strategy: “Our focus is on returning our defense from backcourt to frontcourt. We prioritize pressure defense regardless of the opponent.”
In another game, Filipino-Nigerian standout Goodluck Okebata powered the Junior Warriors to a decisive 91-44 victory over the UPIS Maroons, scoring 17 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots. Coach Andrew Estrella praised the 14-year-old Okebata, noting his impressive performance and hard work.
Neil Garcia added 14 points and seven rebounds, while Gab Delos Reyes had 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Jared Ferreros and Jolo Pascual contributed 10 points each.
UPIS’s Jhustin Hallare led his team with 21 points and eight rebounds, supported by Bruce Tubongbanua’s 14 points and seven rebounds.
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