UPIS 55-game losing run ends

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern University copped the top seed in the Final Four, but it was University of the Philippines Integrated School which created the biggest wave in UAAP Season 74 juniors basketball at the Blue Eagle Gym over the weekend.

UPIS finally snapped out of a 55-game losing streak following its 73-71 squeaker over University of the East last Saturday.

Raymart Sablan starred for UPIS with 19 points and 16 rebounds while Kim Cinco added 11 points and 10 boards for UPIS which last won a game in the UAAP four years ago. With the win, UPIS and UE shared the bottom with 1-13 records.

Jovanie Cruz had 15 points and Jerie Pingoy 14 points, eight steals, seven assists and five rebounds as the Baby Tamaraws beat theNational University Bullpups, 71-60, for a front-running 12-2 card.

FEU will face in the Final Four fourth-ranked defending champion Ateneo (9-5), which scored a 67-56 victory over La Salle-Zobel. The Baby Tamaraws own a twice-to-beat advantage.

Despite the loss, the Junior Archers finished second on an 11-3 record and will face the third-ranked Bullpups (10-4) in the other semifinals pairing.

Also over the weekend, Adamson University beat University of Santo Tomas, 57-49, for a 7-7 record. UST, the runner-up last season, closed out with a 5-9 slate.