MANILA – University of the East Junior Warriors leaned on Ilonggo big man Jesse Sullano’s clutch hits to score an 80-76 win over University of the Philippines Junior Maroons in UAAP Season 81 juniors basketball on Sunday at San Juan Arena.
Holding to a slim 72-71 lead with over two minutes in the game, the Santa Barbara, Iloilo native converted seven straight points to widen Junior Warriors’ lead to 79-74.
After the Junior Maroons cut the deficit to 76-79 on two free throws by Jacob Estreta but split from the line from Negrense Riggy Alinsoring sealed the victory for the Junior Warriors.
Sullano, a transferee from Hua Siong College of Iloilo, capped off his high school career with double-double 29 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Junior Warriors, which ended its campaign with two wins in 14 games.
Negrenses Mike Flores and Leo Almacen added 12 and 10 markers, respectively, while another Negrense in Shane Dichoso tallied 15 rebounds to go along with seven points and seven assists for UE.
Meanwhile, Negrense guard Mark Nonoy also delivered a strong showing as the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs scored an 85-64 rout on De La Salle Zobel Junior Archers.
The La Carlota, Negros Occidental native Nonoy tallied 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to lead the way for the Tiger Cubs, which ended their campaign with 7-7 win-loss slate./PN
