
THE UST Junior Tiger Cubs ran out of steam and succumbed to the UE Junior Red Warriors, 78-47, in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 junior high school (JHS) basketball tournament finals at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Friday, Dec. 20
UE’s win ended the longest championship drought in the juniors’ division, snapping a 41-year dry spell. It also extended UST’s title drought in the junior divisions to 24 years.
UST played without star Nickson Cabañero, who was suspended after being called for a disqualifying foul on UE’s Neil Garcia in Game 2.
“Sobrang sama ng nilaro namin, siguro napressure yong mga bata, kulang din talaga sa players, tapos nawala pa si Cabañero,” Mejos said.
“Parang pinutulan mo ng paa ‘yong isang tao, ganoon talaga,” Mejos added alluding to Cabañero’s suspension.
UST held a 15-11 lead early in the game, but the Junior Warriors found their rhythm and tied the score after the first quarter, 15-all.
UE rode its momentum into the second frame, outscoring UST 19-8 to take a 34-23 halftime lead.
A three-point play by Kiefer Panganiban to open the third quarter allowed UE to pull away for good, taking a 54-35 lead heading into the final period.
The Tiger Cubs struggled to convert shots and stifle UE’s offense as the Junior Warriors continued their dominance, sealing the victory with a 31-point margin, 78-47.
UST shot just 20.5% from the field (15-for-73) and struggled to contain UE inside, allowing 59 rebounds and 54 points in the paint.
Dustin Bathan led the Tiger Cubs with 16 points and eight rebounds.
Jhon Canapi, who played through an ankle injury sustained in Game 2, struggled offensively, managing only 11 points on 1-for-24 shooting and missing all 17 of his three-point attempts.
“Nakafocus kasi ‘yong depensa sa kanila, mahirap talaga yong role nila, puro pa under sized,” Mejos said. “Pero at least umabot tayo sa championship, unexpected. Bawi nalang for next season.”
Mejos added that Canapi and Bathan would move up to the boys’ division, while Cabañero would stay with the team.
Ethan Oraa paced UE with 13 points, while Enrico Bungar chipped in 11.
Despite the loss, UST remains the school with the most basketball championships, boasting 41 titles across all divisions.