University of the East (UE) handed Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) its first blemish, pulling away in the second half to secure its third win in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 16U basketball tournament with a 83-65 victory on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

FEU-D, which entered the contest unbeaten in its first three games, had a chance to forge a tie with National University Nazareth School atop the standings. Instead, the Baby Tamaraws fell into a tie for second with the Junior Red Warriors at 3-1.

In other games, University of Santo Tomas (UST) captured its second straight win after routing the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 90-78 while UP Integrated School pulled off a stunner with a 76-71 victory over Adamson University to enter the win column.

Kurt Mercado paced the Junior Red Warriors with 17 points, including 11 in the second half, along with five rebounds and two assists. Mark Redulfa and Xerone Dizon added 10 points apiece.

Holding a slim 43-39 lead at halftime, the Junior Red Warriors seized control in the third quarter, outscoring the Baby Tamaraws, 26-15, to build a commanding 69-54 advantage entering the final period.

FEU-D made one last push, trimming the deficit to 12, 77-65, on Bernard Alsola’s fastbreak layup off a steal with 2:45 remaining.

However, Dizon answered with a timely layup before UE put the finishing touches on the victory, restoring a 15-point cushion with just over a minute left to play.

“FEU has been a great team ever since — even back when I was still playing, I’ve always had this respect for them. I told the players, ‘You just play your game and follow the game plan,’” UE head coach Hubalde said.

“We just adjusted our strategy (in the second half) against their offense, and luckily, our scouting was spot-on. I’m grateful because the players responded well.”

UE dominated the paint throughout the contest, outscoring FEU-D, 52-26, inside while shooting 26-of-57 from two-point range for a 45.6-percent clip.