MANILA, Philippines - Aljun Melecio sizzled for 42 points as De La Salle-Zobel shocked defending champion Ateneo, 84-71, in the opener of the UAAP Season 78 juniors basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle gym over the weekend.
Melecio, playing his final season for the Junior Archers, also pulled down eight rebounds and had three steals in a superb all-around performance to upend the fancied Blue Eaglets, who are tipped for a back-to-back title run even with the graduation of brothers Matthew and Mike Nieto.
Jolo Mendoza, last season’s Finals MVP, paced Ateneo with 16 points while Gian Mamuyac chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists,
In other results, former champion National University upended Adamson University, 61-55, while Far Eastern University-Diliman downed UP Integrated School, 58-52.
The Bullpups, runners-up to the Eaglets last season, also lost key players in Mark Dyke, Philip Manalang and Jordan Sta. Ana, who have already moved up to college ranks.
But John Lloyd Clemente had 18 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Justine Baltazar chipped in 10 points and nine rebounds for NU.
Denzel Sabroso shot 14 points while Jayson Celis contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Baby Falcons.
Meanwhile, action resumes today with another four-game bill starting at 9 a.m. at The Arena in San Juan.