UE STIFLES UPIS, KEEPS FINAL FOUR HOPES ALIVE

By: Joaquin Cortez

The Strong Group-powered University of the East Junior Warriors asserted their dominance in the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament on Saturday, throttling the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) 76-29 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

UE relied on a suffocating defense and efficient ball movement to hold the Fighting Maroons to just 10 points in the first half, building a commanding 51-10 halftime lead. By the third quarter, key baskets from Sean Felizmenia extended the lead to 64-17, putting the game well out of reach.

Felizmenia led UE’s balanced attack with 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting, along with three rebounds and a steal. MVP frontrunner Goodluck Okebata contributed 11 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, and two assists, while Zion Aguilar added nine points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Juan Mallabo chipped in seven points and 10 rebounds, helping the Junior Warriors secure their third consecutive win and maintain a strong hold on fourth place with a 7-4 record.

UE head coach Matthew Sia praised his team’s defensive effort and unselfish play. “I am very happy with our performance, especially coming into our UST game this Wednesday. Every win counts in our schedule, and I am proud of the boys’ 23 assists today. I am challenging them to keep sharing the ball and working harder in the next games,” Sia said.

The Fighting Maroons struggled offensively, finishing the game with just 29 points on 10-of-61 shooting. Only Poquiz (8 points) and Lugatiman (5 points) managed to reach double digits in the team’s scoring.

UE shot 29-of-80 from the field, capitalizing on fast breaks and inside scoring opportunities while maintaining relentless defensive pressure throughout the game.