Tiger Cubs, Junior Archers win to boost semis campaign
2024-Nov-14 13:00
UAAP UPDATE. UST's Jhon Canapi (No. 21) is tightly guarded by NUNS's Dave Quinto (No. 4) during the UAAP Season 87 boys basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena on Wednesday (Nov. 13, 2024). The Tiger Cubs won, 80-70. (PNA/UAAP)
MANILA – University of Santo Tomas prevailed over National University Nazareth School, 80-70, Wednesday to boost its Final Four campaign in the UAAP Season 87 boys' basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.
Jhon Canapi, Miguel Jubilado and Dustin Bathan starred in a 17-7 run that gave the Tiger Cubs a 60-49 advantage at the end of the third quarter.
There was no stopping UST in the fourth quarter, with back-to-back baskets by Andwele Cabañero and Lohann Villacarlos, and Canapi's triple giving the Tiger Cubs a 75-60 lead, four minutes remaining.
Canapi finished with 22 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Cabañero chipped in 20 points, six rebounds and four assists as UST kept solo third at 7-4.
Miguel Jubilado contributed 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks, while Dustin Bathan had 15 points, six rebounds, and six assists for the Tiger Cubs, who also beat the Bullpups, 84-83, last Sept. 21.
"As I said, it's the end of the season so we have to be sure. There is no room for error until the semifinals start. We have to be sure to get our ticket to the Final Four," UST head coach Noli Mejos said.
Nick Peña had 20 points, six rebounds and two steals for NUNS, which slid to fifth at 5-6.
In the other game, De La Salle-Zobel defeated University of the Philippines Integrated School, 79-74, to improve at 5-5.
Vince Magan delivered 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists as the Junior Archers rebounded from their 79-83 loss to the FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws.
Ram Luna scored 20 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, to go with 11 rebounds, while Melvin Tailan added 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
"I reminded them what could happen if they win or lose here, so they started working because they were motivated," DLSZ head coach Penny Laureaga said.
Jhustin Hallare's three-pointer and Kean Poquiz's basket put the Fighting Maroons within 65-68 but the Junior Archers fought back behind Luna to take a 76-65 lead, 2:30 remaining.
Hallare had 34 points, nine rebounds and four assists for UPIS, which bowed to DLSZ, 65-75, last Oct. 6.
UE, unbeaten after 11 games, has earned the first seat in the Final Four. (PNA)