MANILA, Philippines — National University and University of the East kicked off their campaign in the UAAP season 76 juniors basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
NU weathered Ateneo’s 30-point explosion in the fourth quarter to hack out a 79-72 win, while UE 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 with 13 points and 11 boards for last year’s finalist NU.
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 the Junior Warriors.
The Bullpups and the Junior Warriors join the FEU-Diliman and La Salle-Zobel, which won in the opener last Sunday, for the early lead.