MANILA, Philippines - Coach Mark Herrera’s University of the East Pages clobbered National College of Business and Arts, 96-72, and collected their fifth straight win for the solo lead in the National Youth Basketball League.
Isiah Banaua topscored with 20 points, while Jake Dia and Paul Jerome Carpio chipped in 15 and nine points, respectively, in leading the Pages to the semifinals.
Rommel Kallos led NCBA scorers with 15 points.
“I’m very proud of the boys. They have been working extra hard,” said Herrera, also the 13-under national head coach and mentor of two-time PBA junior champion Talk N Text.
“We’re making big progress in our preparations for the upcoming UAAP season,” said Herrera of his team, which finished second-to-last in the UAAP junior tournament last season. “I thank our PE department officials for the support they are giving to the boys.”