UE Jr. Warriors advance to Filoil Flying V finals

MANILA, Philippines - The University of the East Jr. Red Warriors, honing up for the forthcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines, overpowered NCAA team La Salle Greenhills, 67-49, Saturday and advanced to the title match of the Filoil Flying V MVP Cup junior basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

Ian Macaranas topscored with 15 points and drew support from Carlos Dizon, Isiah Banawa and Christian Canicula, who chipped in 12 apiece to give the Jr. Warriors of coach Mark Herrera an unbeaten slate going into the finals of the pre-season basketball tournament.

JC Duncil contributed six points while Paul Jerome Carpio and Anselmo Martinez added five each.

The Jr. Warriors shoot for their second title of the year against the taller San Beda Red Cubs Friday at the same venue. They crushed Benigno Aquino HS, 94-80, yesterday to claim their first crown – in the National Youth Basketball League at the Colegio de San Lorenzo gym in Quezon City.

“I’m proud we have reached this far. The players have been working hard to surpass the challenges that face them every time they play. I know it’s hard to reach this level, especially if we are the underdogs,” said Herrera, also head coach of Batang PBA grand slam champion Jr. Talk ‘n Text Team and the national U-13.