Bullpups, Jr Warriors trip Eaglets, UPIS 5

MANILA, Philippines - National University and University of the East hurdled separate rivals yesterday in a big start to their respective campaigns in the UAAP juniors basketball tournament at the MOA Arena.

The Bullpups weathered Ateneo’s 30-point explosion in the fourth quarter to hack out a 79-72 win while the Junior Warriors downed UP Integrated School, 87-81.

Hubert Cani tallied 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists, John Cauilan had 15 points and Mark Dyke had a double-double effort of 13 points and 11 boards for NU, which ruled in 2011 but yielded the crown last season to Far Eastern University-Diliman.

Thirdy Ravena, who led the Blue Eaglets fightback in the payoff period, shot 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while Matthew Nieto chipped in 10 markers.

Reymar Caduyac poured in 27 points while Justin Antonio added 14 points and eight rebounds for UE.

Diego Dario had 21 points and eight assists while Raymart Sablan contributed 17 points for the Junior Maroons.

The Bullpups and the Junior Warriors thus joined the Baby Tamaraws and La Salle-Zobel Junior Archers for the early lead.

Meanwhile, FEU opens its bid for a third consecutive women’s basketball crown against long-time rival Adamson today at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Lady Tamaraws and the Lady Falcons clash in the final game of a heavy four-game bill at 1:30 p.m.

Last year’s runner-up La Salle battles Season 75 fourth placer Ateneo at 12 noon, right after NU and UP collide at 10:30 a.m.

University of Santo Tomas and UE duel in the curtain raiser at 9 a.m.