MANILA, Philippines - Defending juniors champion University of the East relied on a late surge to get past Arellano University, 86-81, in the FilOil Flying V Accel Badolato Juniors Cup at The Arena yesterday.
Both teams battled through seven deadlocks, the last at 76-all, before the Junior Warriors of U-13 national coach Mark Herrera worked on a seven-to-nothing roll to secure an 83-76 advantage with 26 seconds left to play.
The Junior Warriors nailed a third win in Group C.
Earlier, JP Sarcia erupted for 41 points as University of Santo Tomas topped University of the Philippines, 97-91, in overtime.
Sarcia poured 14 of his 41 markers in the final period, including a triple at the buzzer to force the extension at 87-all.
The Junior Fighting Maroons dominated the first three periods, holding an 11-point lead, 51-40, before the Tiger Cubs waged a rally.