By Jean Malanum
MANILA – University of the East and Far Eastern University-Diliman scored similar victories Wednesday to secure the top two seedings and the twice-to-beat semis incentives in the UAAP Season 87 boys basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Mav Mesina had 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals as UE clobbered Adamson University, 100-58.
Gab Delos Reyes chipped in 14 points and six rebounds, Goodluck Okebata had 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Kiefer Panganiban and Brian Orca scored 10 points each for the Junior Warriors, who posted their biggest lead at 98-52.
UE will face No. 4 seed, which will be determined among National University Nazareth School, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle-Zobel.
The Baby Tams ended the Junior Warriors’ 12-game streak, 81-66, last Nov. 24.
“I told them that we have to bounce back from the loss. Also, we have to work on what is needed. They responded very well. They were hurt by the loss, but that’s basketball. So they gave their best today to recover,” said UE head coach Andrew Estrella.
Meanwhile, FEU-D trounced University of the Philippines Integrated School, 73-51.
Prince Cariño delivered 24 points and eight rebounds as the Baby Tamaraws rolled to their fifth straight win and finished the eliminations with an 11-2 slate.
Anton Lopez contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals for FEU-D, which will meet No. 3 seed University of Santo Tomas in the semis.
Duke Santos made 10 points followed by CP Miranda with nine points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Lakay Pasinos added six points and 11 rebounds while Mark Dulin had four points, eight rebounds and four assists.
“It’s good that we already secured the No. 2 spot, but I told the players that starting today, treat everything as preparations for the Final Four. They all responded with the leadership of Prince, CP, Anton and Mark [Dulin],” said FEU-D head coach Muriel Garcia.
The Final Four schedule will be announced later. (PNA)
