UNIVERSITY of the East claimed its second straight win as it defeated Ateneo, 74-67, in the Pinoyliga Juniors Cup at the Enderun College gym in Taguig City.
Jean Varole powered the Junior Warriors with 14 points and nine rebounds, while John Alejandro and Jamal Diaz contributed 10 points apiece. Alejandro had a double-double performance as he also collared 11 rebounds.
Alfonso Tan led the Eaglets with 17 points, while Jaym Leal and Ziv Espinas – son of former PBA player and 2004 NCAA Rookie-MVP awardee Gabby Espinas – each had 11 points.
The win pushed UE in a tie for the early lead with Mapua and San Beda, while denying Ateneo a victory in its debut game in the first season of the juniors edition of the meet organized by Prime Edge Marketing.
The Red Cubs also won for the second time as they stunned archrival and NCAA defending champion Letran Squires, 74-71, with MJ Vailoces leading San Beda with 21 points and eight boards.
The setback dropped Letran to 0-2 for a tie with Lyceum of the Philippines University.
On the other hand, San Sebastian College-Recoletos rebounded from an opening game defeat behind a 75-67 win against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
Lordy Victory scored 14 points to lead a balanced attack by the Staglets, who also got 12 points apiece from Kit Bonus and Justine Velasquez, while Sanlea Penaverde and Chauncey Rodriguez added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
National University, meantime, came through with a 71-56 win in its debut assignment as Collins Akowe exploded for 20 points with 15 rebounds, while Miekho Natinga and Jid Locsin had 11 and 10 points, respectively.
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