JUBILADO'S DOUBLE-DOUBLE LIFTS UST PAST ATENEO

By: Miguel Marco

Strong Group-powered University of Santo Tomas snapped its two-game losing streak with an 83-74 victory over Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament on Saturday morning, Oct. 11, at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Miguel Jubilado led the Tiger Cubs with a double-double, scoring 27 points on an efficient 12-of-16 shooting, along with 10 rebounds and five assists.

The win improved UST’s record to 3-2, while Ateneo fell to 2-4.

UST set the tone early with an 8-0 run in the opening frame, but the Blue Eagles quickly responded as Sky Dela Rosa’s jumper cut the deficit to a single point, 24-23.

Ateneo then swung momentum in the second quarter, outscoring the Tiger Cubs 26-18. Gab Yoro’s free throw capped the spurt, giving the Blue Eagles a 49-42 lead at halftime.

In the third quarter, Jubilado spearheaded UST’s comeback, while Dats Datu’s free throws brought the Tiger Cubs within one possession heading into the final frame, 65-62.

The fourth quarter opened with a quick 7-0 run by UST, led by Jubilado, CJ Tabbuga, and Gab Castro, giving the Tiger Cubs a 69-65 lead. Both teams traded baskets down the stretch, but UST held on to secure the hard-fought victory.

Rowie Cabañero also recorded a double-double with 14 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds, while Castro added 14 points and 10 boards.

The Tiger Cubs dominated the boards, outrebounding Ateneo 56-40, and controlled the paint with 56 points compared to the Blue Eagles’ 36.

UST will next face Far Eastern University - Diliman on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 9:30 a.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.