MANILA – National University Bullpups and Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws got huge contributions from their Ilonggo players to score separate wins in the UAAP Season 81 Juniors Basketball on Sunday at San Juan Arena.
Bullpups leaned on the hot hands of Iloilo City native Gerry Abadiano as they score a repeat victory over the defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglets, 78-71, to remain on top of the standings.
Abadiano, a former standout of St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets, finished the match with 16 points for the 7-1 Bullpups.
Batang Gilas member Terrence Fortea also added 16 markers for NU.
Meanwhile, Ilonggo John Bryan Sajonia turned in a breakout game on both ends as the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws walloped Adamson University Baby Falcons, 80-72.
The Pavia, Iloilo native tallied 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while RJ Abarrientos added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the second running Baby Tamaraws (6-2).
With the score tied at 59-all, Sajonia unleashed a personal 5-0 run to surge the Baby Tamaraws at 64-59.
The Baby Falcons rallied to within 67-70 but treys by Abarrientos and Royce Alfoque sealed the win for the Baby Tamaraws.
Negrense guard Mark Nonoy put on another all-around game as the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs got back on the winning track with a 85-63 rout on the University of the East Junior Warriors.
The La Carlota, Negros Occidental native tallied his second triple-double of the season when he finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for the Tiger Cubs, which improved to 4-4 win-loss slate./PN
