Adamson sweeps 1st round in UAAP juniors basketball

Adamson University overpowered University of the East, 130-47, to complete a first round sweep of the UAAP Season 79 juniors basketball tournament Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.     

Encho Serrano had a double-double outing of 22 points and 15 rebounds while Gerry Abadiano and Jason Celis chipped in 20 and 18 points, respectively, as the Baby Falcons improved to 7-0 in the season.      

The 83-point winning margin and the 130 points scored by Adamson University are the biggest this season. 

Defending champion National University overpowered UP Integrated School, 95-61, to wound up second with a 6-1 card, while Far Eastern University downed University of Santo Tomas, 87-76, for its fifth victory in seven matches in third spot.     

Ateneo prevailed over De La Salle-Zobel, 64-57, in the last game to capture its fourth win in seven games at No. 4.   

Rhayyan Amsali finished with 16 points, five rebounds and two steals, Karl Peñano added 14 points while John Lloyd Clemente had 12 points, five boards and four assists for the Bullpups, who have now won four straight.    

Eric Jabel and Rhon Abarrientos teamed up for 30 points while Kenji Roman had a 13-point, 14-rebound outing for the Baby Tamaraws.      

Romulo Berjay led the way for the Blue Eaglets with 15 points and nine boards while SJ Belangel had a solid outing with 12 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and two steals.

The Junior Maroons and the Junior Archers fell at 2-5 in joint fifth, while the Junior Warriors and the Tiger Cubs remained at the bottom of the standings with identical 1-6 records.      

Second round action resumes on Jan. 14 after a month-long holiday break.