OKEBATA POWERS UE PAST UST IN STRONG GROUP SHOWDOWN

By: Miguel Marco

In a showdown between two Strong Group-backed squads, defending UAAP Junior High School Boys Basketball champion University of the East survived a late charge from fellow Strong Group-backed University of Santo Tomas, 87-78, in the Season 88 tournament at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday, Oct. 4.

UE team captain Goodluck Okebata led the Junior Warriors with a dominant double-double of 19 points, 18 rebounds, and four blocks, lifting his squad to a 3-1 record, while UST slipped to 2-2.

“Nagkaroon kami ng one-week preparation for this game,” UE head coach Matthew Sia said after the game. “So, I think naging advantage namin ‘yon sa UST, thanks to my coaching staff and everyone kaya naging good ‘yong naging game nila.”

UE came out firing with a 32-13 opening salvo, highlighted by a Zion Aguilar triple. UST countered with a 16-7 run behind Gab Castro and Rowie Cabanero, capped by a Wayne Anggot jumper to cut the deficit to 39-29. Despite the Tiger Cubs’ effort, the Junior Warriors held firm and entered halftime with a 49-37 lead.

The Tiger Cubs, led by Miguel Jubilado, caught fire in the third quarter, outscoring UE 22-11 to close the gap at 60-59 heading into the final frame.

UE refused to yield, as Okebata and Austin Delos Santos took charge, rebuilding a double-digit lead at 76-64 with four minutes remaining.

Dats Datu sparked a late UST rally with three consecutive triples, cutting the deficit to 80-73. However, UE quelled the comeback and held on for an 87-78 victory over the resilient Tiger Cubs.

Sean Felizmenia contributed 19 points and five rebounds, while Delos Santos added 15 points and eight assists. For UST, Gab Castro posted 24 points and 10 rebounds, Cabanero tallied 17 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds, and Jubilado finished with 13 points.

UE will next face Adamson University at 7:30 a.m., followed by UST taking on Ateneo de Manila University at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym.