UE overwhelms UPIS in wire-to-wire rout

By: Joaquin Cortez

University of the East asserted its dominance and handed University of the Philippines Integrated School a lopsided 88-56 defeat to seize sole possession of fourth place in the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament on Sunday morning at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Fresh off a narrow win over Ateneo last Wednesday, the Junior Warriors wasted no time imposing their will, racing to a 48-24 halftime lead and never looking back.

Even with a commanding cushion, UE refused to ease up. Team captain Goodluck Okebata, James Mesa, and Juan Mallabo spearheaded the onslaught in the third quarter, widening the gap to 74-39 heading into the final frame.

The Junior Warriors overwhelmed UP on both ends, shooting 48 percent from the field (36-of-75), pounding the paint for 62 points, and dominating the glass with 52 rebounds, while also tallying 12 steals and six blocks.

“Again, we emphasized the mismatches coming into this game. I think we have advantage sa big men namin, so we operated in the paint. I wanna point out our shooting din sa three-point territory, we have to improve that heading into the next games,” said UE head coach Matthew Sia.

Okebata led the charge with an all-around performance of 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and three steals. Mesa followed with 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting, nine rebounds, two assists, and one block.

Mark Perdigon chipped in 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Mallabo added 12 points and nine rebounds in the rout.