By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) Junior Archers showed steadiness in the overtime to defeat the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Junior Fighting Maroons, 79-77, in the UAAP Season 87 boys basketball at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City on Sunday, January 19.

With just over two minutes remaining and a narrow 75-74 advantage, Kieffer Alas and Negrense Bonn Daja executed consecutive baskets to increase the Junior Archers’ advantage to 79-74.

The Junior Fighting Maroons responded with a three-pointer from Rocco Melicor to narrow the gap to 77-79, and had an opportunity to equalize, but Nathan Egea’s layup was thwarted by Daja as time expired.

Daja finished with a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Alas, returning from an ACL sprain sustained last June, contributed 16 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and one block.

“We were expecting UP to be hungry for a win, and then they have a new system and a new coach, so it’s really a new UP team that we’re seeing,” DLSZ head coach Boris Aldeguer said after the game.

“But it’s a good win, we’ll take whatever win we can get,” he added.

Egea led the Junior Fighting Maroons with a triple-double, recording 14 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

Tubongbanua added 19 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

In another matchup, the University of the East (UE) Junior Red Warriors commenced their campaign successfully, defeating the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglets, 88-80.

Kristoper Lagat was instrumental for UE, scoring 16 points and securing six rebounds.

Lance Sabroso contributed 14 points, while Louie Bual and Martin Almanza added 12 and 11 points, respectively./ASC, WDJ