Tiger Cubs open campaign with a victory over defending champion FEU

By Anton Roxas Posted Jun 30th 2013

The University of Sto. Tomas made an early statement by registering a 71-65 win over defending champion Far Eastern University as the UAAP Season 76 Juniors Basketball tournament opened shop on Sunday, June 30, 2013 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Isaiah Dandan led the Tiger Cubs in scoring with 18 markers as he connected on four out of his eight attempts from the three point line including a crucial triple from the right corner with 41.1 seconds remaining in regulation to put his team up, 67-62, extinguishing FEU’s comeback attempt. The lanky swingman also hauled in a game-high 15 rebounds.

UST had a comfortable 55-40 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter before the defending champions went on an 11-0 run that was fueled by twin brothers, JJ and JS Domingo. JJ Domingo topscored for the Baby Tams with 18 points but shot a dismal 3 out of 12 from beyond the arc.

In the first game, De La Salle-Zobel outlasted Adamson University in overtime, 84-80. Lester Munsayac of the Baby Falcons forced the extra period after canning in a triple with 9 seconds left to tie the game up at 74.

Alfonso Banzon scattered 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Junior Archers who overcame a horrendous shooting game by ace guard Renzo Subido, who shot 4 for 17 from the field. However, Subido still managed to tally 18 point with 10 coming from the free-throw line including the last two charities that completed the game’s final score.

The Juniors basketball tournament resumes on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Scheduled on that day are the University of the East as they face the University of the Philippines Integrated School at 8:00 A.M. while National University is set to square off against Ateneo de Manila University at 10:00 A.M.

Box scores:

First game:

DLSZ 84 – Banzon 25, Subido 18, Sajulga 14, Maldinger 10, Melecio 6, Isaac 5, Cabarrus 4, Abanilla 2, Romero 0, Quintos 0, Paraiso 0.

AdU 80 – Quinga 24, Casino 17, Munsayac 11, Nemenzo 9, Navarro 7, Camacho 5, Beltran 3, Madriaga 2, De Guzman 2, Villos 0, Morelos 0, Jamias 0.

Quarter scoring: 13-20, 40-35, 52-55, 74-74, 84-80 OT.

Second game:

UST 71 – Dandan 18, Corre 11, Marcelo 10, Ramirez 8, Kaman 8, Reyes 6, Mayor 6, Syyap 4, Miquiabas 0, Borje 0, Berdijo 0.

FEU 65 – Domingo Jj. 18, Excoto 9, Completo 7, Lee 6, Beines 6, Ardiente 6, Domingo Js. 5, Comboy 4, Tabudlo 2, Cano 1, Aquino 1, Runbaoa 0, Paglinawan 0, Fajarito.

Quarter scoring: 14-13, 33-25, 55-40, 71-65.

By Anton Roxas