HOOPS

FEU-D keeps rolling, pips DLSZ

DT · Oct 11, 2026, 1:09 AM

BERNARD Alsola celebrates after knocking down a clutch three-pointer in the final 42 seconds to lead the FEU-D Baby Tamaraws to an 82-76 win over the DLSZ Junior Archers in the UAAP Season 89 16U juniors basketball tournament on Saturday. — Photograph courtesy of UAAP

Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) asserted its dominance over De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ), 82-76, to claim its third straight win in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 89 16U boys’ basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the victory, the Baby Tamaraws moved to solo second in the standings with a 6-2 record to open the second round, extending their winning streak to three games — the second-longest active streak in the tournament.

FEU-D had previously defeated DLSZ, 86-76, in the first round.

“Actually, very happy we’re in the number two spot right now. But we need to be better, and we need to increase our defensive stamina because we kind of collapse when we get behind,” FEU-D head coach Muriel Garcia said.

“I told my players, keep your composure. Rye Villarruz and Enzo Purugganan were just too hot. Gradually, we adjusted our defensive scheme, but we were ready for that.”

Nicus Calma spearheaded the Baby Tamaraws’ early surge, putting the Junior Archers in a 20-15 hole before DLSZ mounted a late second-quarter comeback.

With two minutes left in the first half, Enzo Purugganan took charge of a 12-2 run that erased a 10-point deficit and sent the Junior Archers into the break tied with the Baby Tamaraws.

Both teams continued to trade baskets in a tightly contested third quarter, with FEU-D holding a two-point lead in the closing seconds. Purugganan then drained a triple to swing the lead in La Salle’s favor, 61-60, heading into the final frame.