New Cabañero in Town: Rowie Stars as UST Junior Tiger Cubs Smash UPIS
By: Miguel Marco
Rowie Cabañero delivered a breakout performance in his debut as the Strong Group-backed University of Santo Tomas (UST) Junior Tiger Cubs dominated the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Junior Maroons, 112-61, in the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Sunday morning, Sept. 21, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Despite being subbed out early after a hard foul, Cabañero, a distant cousin of Nic and Nickson Cabañero, bounced back to finish with 18 points and five rebounds, highlighted by three consecutive triples in the third quarter.
“‘Di ko rin inexpect na ganito yung laro kasi first time ko lang. Sabi sa akin ni Coach Noli na kumpyansa lang sa sarili at ipakita ko ang tunay kong laro,” Cabañero said.
The Tiger Cubs set the pace early with a 30-5 run, led by Miguel Jubilado and Dave Regala, ending the opening frame with a commanding 31-12 lead. UST maintained its momentum in the second quarter, heading into halftime with a comfortable 50-31 advantage.
Cabañero came out blazing in the third quarter, hitting three straight triples to extend the lead to 64-37. UST rode the wave of momentum with Jubilado dominating inside, before Regala capped the run with a triple that widened the gap to 81-48 at the end of the third quarter.
The Tiger Cubs continued their dominance in garbage time, with Regala punctuating the rout with a dunk to secure a 114-61 victory.
Despite the lopsided score, UST head coach Noli Mejos admitted he was not entirely satisfied with his team’s performance, especially after trailing 7-1 early in the game.
“Di ako satisfied sa pinakita nila dahil sa preparation namin hindi ko nakita yung gusto kong mangyari. Pero thankful pa rin kami sa naging resulta ng laro,” Mejos said postgame.
Jubilado, a 6-foot-3 forward from Antipolo, recorded 24 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and five steals, while Tabugga added 19 points. Meanwhile, UPIS’ Kean Poquiz and John Addatu scored 22 and 18 points, respectively.
The Tiger Cubs aim to carry their momentum forward as they face the De La Salle Zobel Junior Archers on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 10:00 a.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
