MANILA, Philippines - The UE Junior Warriors of multi-titled coach Mark Herrera downed the UST Tiger Cubs, 81-77, to open their title-retention bid in the juniors division of the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Invitational Cup at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.
The defending champions leaned on their defense and hustle all game then outsteadied their rivals down the stretch to pound out the victory in the tournament dubbed as the Badolato Cup, in honor of San Beda’s multi-titled coach Ato Badolato, who retired last year.
The Junior Warriors led in all quarters, 16-14, 31-29 and 57-50, but had to fend off the Tiger Cubs in the closing seconds to preserve the win.
UE threatened to pull away at 80-73 after UST closed to within 67-68 on EJ Corre’s five straight points. But Corre scored on back-to-back baskets to keep the Tiger Cubs within three points with 20 seconds left in the contest.
The Cubs went on a fouling spree to stop the clock but Christian Canicula scored on a free throw to ensure the win for the Junior Warriors.
“We only relied on our hustle and our defense. The boys relaxed during the last few minutes of the game, especially the veterans. But in the end, it was still our defense that pulled us through,” said UE coach Mark Herrera.
The UPHSD Altalettes trounced the NU Bullpups, 69-65, in the second game while the FEU Baby Tamaraws routed the RP Youth Under-13 squad, 106-38, in the third match.
Despite the blowout, Herrera, also the RP Under-13 coach, remained hopeful of his Under-13 wards, who are eyeing a stint in Bangkok, Thailand in December.
“We are a much younger team. The teams that they tackle here are much more experienced than them, being high school players and players for the UAAP. We put up a good fight. This may be the best that they could offer for now, but we would surely develop as a team,” said Herrera.
The scores:
UE 81 – Duncil 11, Macaranas 11, Martinez 11, Mendoza 11, Cani 10, Banawa 9, Calma 7, Canicula 4, Gutierrez 3, De Leon 2, Pajarillaga 2.
UST 77 – Corre 28, Cabauatan 13, Sarcia 15, Mison 7, Gooh 6, Florentin 3, Salas 3, Ilarde 0.
Quarterscores: 16-14, 31-29, 57-50, 81-77