University of the East (UE) roared back from its previous setback, dismantling University of the Philippines Integrated School, 104-60, while De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) edged archrival Ateneo de Manila University in an overtime thriller, 73-65, to return to the win column of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87 boys basketball tournament on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Junior Warriors wasted no time recovering from their 66-75 loss to defending champions Adamson University Baby Falcons last Thursday.

On the other hand, Kieffer Alas carried DLSZ through regulation with Bonn Daja stepping up in overtime to secure their second extra-period victory this season.

With their bounce-back wins, UE and DLSZ improved to identical 2-1 records.

“I’m happy because we were able to adjust and recover from our previous loss,” Junior Warriors head coach Karl Santos said, adding that they have to respect whoever they face inside the court.

“But again, my expectations for this team are high. Remember that UP gained their only win after beating us last year. The only thing that we have to do is to really respect our opponent,” 

UE set the tone early, racing to a 55-26 halftime lead behind the hot shooting of Kristoper Lagat and Lance Sabroso, who combined for 25 points in the first two quarters.

The Warriors’ blistering start overwhelmed the Maroons, who struggled with a 9-of-26 shooting clip and committed 15 turnovers in the opening half.

UE weathered a third-quarter push from UP and sealed the deal with a 30-15 fourth-quarter blitz.

The Junior Warriors shot an impressive 40-of-72 (55.6 percent) from the field and dominated the rebounding, 40-29, assists, 20-8, and steals, 14-6, departments.

UE’s balanced attack featured eight players scoring at least eight points.

Lagat led the charge with 14 points, including 4-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc, while Sabroso added 13 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal.

Louie Bual contributed 10 points, three steals, and two rebound with Xedric Diaz adding nine points and four assists.

Ivorian center Jean Bana, Edry Alejandro, Kyle Timbol and Mhico Abellar also chipped in solid performances to cap off the commanding win.

In the other morning game, DLSZ relied on Alas and Daja to overcome a resilient Ateneo side in a nail-biter.

Alas scored eight of the Junior Archers’ 13 fourth-quarter points, while Daja delivered clutch back-to-back-and-one layups in overtime to secure the victory.

Trailing 65-64 after a Ziv Espinas layup, Daja’s heroics gave DLSZ a 70-65 lead with just over a minute left in the extra period.

Ateneo had opportunities to close the gap, but costly turnovers from Jay Leal and Lans Lagdamen allowed the Junior Archers to pull away. Then, Alas scored on a layup and Ken Atienza knocked down his free throw to cement the win.

Alas finished with a game-high 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block. Daja added 10 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, while Maco Dabao and Champ Arejola contributed eight points each.