UAAP: La Salle-Zobel rallies to take down UE

MANILA — De La Salle-Zobel erased a double-digit deficit on its way to an 89-80 win over University of the East in the UAAP Season 89 High School Boys’ 16-and-under Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

With the win, the Junior Archers improved to 7-3, keeping their hold on third place in the standings and strengthening their bid for a Final Four berth.

The Junior Archers completed a sweep of the Junior Warriors, having also won their first-round encounter, 77-69.

“Definitely a big win for us. But we try not to focus too much on the standings. We wanna make sure that we keep our standard of play and we believe that everything else will take care of the rest,” said Zobel head coach Hyram Bagatsing.

Rye Villaruz led DLSZ with 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting, along with eight rebounds and three steals.

Despite trailing by as many as 13 points before halftime, the Junior Archers mounted a strong comeback in the third quarter, outscoring UE, 23-10, to seize a 60-57 lead heading into the final period.

After Mikko Noel extended DLSZ’s advantage to seven with five straight points, the Junior Warriors responded with an 8-3 run to cut the deficit to two.

The Junior Archers stayed composed and rebuilt their lead, stretching it to double digits at 83-73 as UE continued to struggle offensively.

The Junior Archers will look to extend their winning streak when they face the Adamson Baby Falcons on Thursday, October 29, at 3 p.m. at the same venue.

Meanwhile, UE suffered a setback in its Final Four bid, dropping to 5-5 and falling into a tie for fourth place with the University of Santo Tomas.

Zion Aguilar led the Junior Warriors with 16 points, while Kurt Mercado and Odrie Mallabo contributed 15 and 13 points, respectively.

The Junior Warriors will look to bounce back when they take on the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Thursday, October 29, at 11 a.m. at the same venue.

DLSZ 89 – Villaruz 29, E. Purugganan 14, Noel 12, Enriquez 9, I. Purugganan 9, Santiago 8, Mercado 5, Paceno 4, Dizon 2, Quillo 0, Francisco 0.

UE 80 – Aguilar 16, K. Mercado 15, Mallabo 13, Delos Santos 8, Roxas 8, Sena 7, Redulfa 6, Dizon 4, J. Mercado 2, Ancheta 1, Velayo 0.

Quarterscores: 22-21, 37-47, 60-57, 89-80.