Pasay city: Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) snapped Adamson University's three-game winning streak with an 82-73 triumph in the UAAP Season 88 high school basketball tournament held at the Mall of Asia Arena. Dwyne Enriquez led the charge for FEU-D with a stellar performance, scoring 28 points, alongside six rebounds, three steals, two assists, and one block. His teammate, Prince Cari±o, also made a significant impact, contributing 26 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. This victory places FEU-D in a tie for second place with the University of the East and Adamson, all sporting a 3-1 record, trailing behind National University Nazareth School, which remains unbeaten at 4-0.
According to Philippines News Agency, Adamson managed to stay close with a score of 36-34 in the third quarter before FEU-D launched a decisive 25-8 run. Enriquez, Cari±o, Kyle Mojica, and James Chavez spearheaded the offensive burst, giving the Baby Tamaraws a commanding 61-42 lead as they entered the final quarter. FEU-D's head coach, Muriel Garcia, acknowledged the team's strength on defense, stating, "We have a lot of players who aren't very offensive players, but they can contribute so much on defense, that's why we need to involve them in the next games."
Fran Flores was the standout player for Adamson, scoring 22 points, along with five steals, three rebounds, and two assists. Edison Jordan also delivered a notable performance, tallying 15 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, two assists, and two blocks.
In a separate match, Ateneo de Manila University decisively defeated De La Salle-Zobel, 93-67, putting an end to their three-game losing streak. Sky Jazul was instrumental for the Blue Eagles, scoring 28 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Ateneo pulled away in the third quarter, establishing a 70-48 lead after a halftime tie at 43-all. Jul Juangco, returning from a two-game absence due to a minor sprain, added 17 points and six rebounds. Sky Dela Rosa contributed 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Ateneo's head coach, Jeffrey Mangubat, emphasized the importance of contributions from the entire team, saying, "The bench has to step up also. This team is not all about the starters, it's all about everybody. It's really necessary once their number is called, they should be ready to deliver for the team." This victory marks Mangubat's first win as head coach after taking over from Reggie Aromin.