Bullpups, Baby Tamaraws hammer back-to-back victories

Far Eastern University (FEU)-Diliman overcame a strong challenge from Ateneo de Manila University in an 82-72 decision for back-to-back wins in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 boys basketball tournament Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Marc Burgos showed the way for the Baby Tamaraws with another stellar performance of 15 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting. He also grabbed nine rebounds on top of two assists, and two steals as FEU-Diliman remained spotless.

The Baby Tamaraws shared the lead in the 19-and-under league with Season 86 runner-up National University Nazareth School, which overwhelmed De La Salle-Zobel, 91-69, earlier.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Collins Akowe delivered another monster outing with 21 points and 21 rebounds to lead the Bullpups to a 2-0 win-loss mark.

FEU-Diliman and NUNS will faceoff on Sunday.

“Great win for us especially that our next game will definitely be a challenge going up against FEU-Diliman. Coming into this game, we talked about getting this win so we’ll have momentum going up against FEU,” Bullpups head coach Kevin de Castro said.

Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas unleashed their frustration on University of the Philippines Integrated School, cruising to a dominant 98-45 victory for their first win of the season.

UST’s 53-point demolition marks the widest winning margin in UAAP boys’ basketball since the pandemic.

This victory propelled UST to a 1-1 record, sharing third place with defending champion Adamson University, University of the East, and De La Salle Zobel.

On the other hand, the Baby Falcons bounced back with a clutch 75-66 win over the Junior Warriors.