NU Bullpups, Eaglets lead UAAP juniors

National University sustained its surprisingly strong start to share the lead with powerhouse Ateneo in the UAAP juniors basketball competition over the weekend at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Both the Bullpups and the Blue Eaglets, who are seeking a third straight crown, picked up their fourth straight victory against separate opponents.

Roque Estoce drained 23 points and Jonel Parungao added 18 to power the Bullpups to a 74-62 drubbing of last year’s runner-up La Salle Zobel Junior Archers.

The Blue Eaglets trounced the Adamson Baby Falcons, 78-61, with Von Pessumal scoring 13 of his 23 points in the last quarter.

In women’s action, Far Eastern University joined idle Adamson on top at 3-0 as the Lady Tamaraws downed the La Salle Lady Archers, 51-44, yesterday at the PhilSports Arena.

Karen Columna shot 18 points and Allana Lim also posted 10 markers and 17 rebounds to pace the Lady Tamaraws.

Earlier, Jennifer Dimaano collected 13 points, four rebounds, four steals and three assists to lift the Lady Eagles past the Lady Bulldogs, 61-58, for a 2-1 record.

The Lady Bulldogs dropped to 1-2 along with La Salle, University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines.

In other high school action, the Baby Tamaraws routed the University of the East Junior Warriors, 93-66, while the Tiger Cubs crushed the Junior Maroons, 120-69.

The Tiger Cubs, Baby Tamaraws and Baby Falcons wound up with similar 2-2 slates.