Manila: De La Salle-Zobel (DLSZ) demolished Adamson University, 86-60, on Friday to take the early lead in the UAAP Season 89 U16 basketball tournament at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila. Rye Villaruz finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks as the Junior Archers secured their second win after whipping the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 101-83, last week.
According to Philippines News Agency, Enzo Purugganan chipped in 15 points and eight steals, followed by Mikko Noel with 12 points, six steals, and six rebounds. James Enriquez added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Fonzie Mercado had 10 points. DLSZ coach Hyram Bagatsing expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting their balanced scoring and reduced turnovers.
He noted that having the Purugganan twins, Enzo and Ice, as holdovers and leaders of the Junior Archers helped stabilize the squad. 'The veteran presence of the twins really helps stabilize the other guys. It's a good combination of the new guys and the old ones. It also helped that we were able to prepare longer by joining some preseason leagues,' Bagatsing said.
Raymond Chan paced the Baby Falcons with 17 points. Carl Espiritu scored 11 points while Derren Sepnio had nine points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Miguel Austria scored 28 points on top of 26 rebounds in leading University of Santo Tomas to an 86-77 win over the University of the Philippines Integrated School. 'We are still really finding our way,' UST coach Noli Mejos said.
The Junior Tiger Cubs absorbed a 75-100 loss to the National University Nazareth School Bullpups on opening day. Kean Poquiz led the Fighting Maroons with 29 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while Zandro Lugatiman had 19 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.
