Balanced attack propels UST to 2-0 start
By: Joaquin Cortez
University of Santo Tomas walloped De La Salle Zobel, 91-70, to notch their second win in the Season 88 junior high school (JHS) boys’ basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Fresh off the 53-point demolition of UP–one of UAAP’s biggest blowouts in JHS basketball history last Sunday, CJ Tabbuga led the team in scoring with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double.
After playing at the Quadricentennial Pavilion (QPav) in their season opener, UST head coach Noli Mejos credited his rookies for adjusting to a new and more competitive court after playing in their home field.
“Nanibago (ang mga players). Sa sobrang ganda ng court sa UAAP, parang nagulat ata ang mga bata lalo na ‘yong mga rookies pero nakapag-adjust naman” Mejos said.
Leading 10-9 in a nip-and-tuck opening frame, the Tigers Cubs pulled out a 8-1 run, topped off by Chan Guinto's three to put UST ahead, 18-11.
DLSZ then responded with a 9-0 run of their own to grab a 20-18 advantage before UST tied it up to end the quarter, 23-all.
CJ Tabbuga took control of the second frame for the Tiger Cubs, making an 8-0 personal run, including two straight threes to give UST an eight-point lead, 31-23. UST held control before heading to halftime with a 50-44 lead.
UST broke away in the third, with timely baskets from Dave Regala and Guinto to give UST a 64-56 cushion.
The Tiger Cubs continued to dominate the rest of the stretch with Tabbuga's consecutive threes and Miguel Jubilado's buzzer beating layup to put UST up by double digits entering the final frame, 72-60.
DLSZ came nowhere to threaten UST's lead as the Tiger Cubs outscored them, 19-10, to secure their second win in Season 88.
Jubilado tallied 20 points and six boards for UST, while Chan Guinto added 16 markers. Dave Regala also contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in their well-balanced victory
The Tiger Cubs will next face the NUNS Bullpups on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 a.m., at the UST QPav.
