MANILA, Philippines –The University of the East (UE) Junior Warriors captured their first UAAP boys’ basketball championship in 39 years.
The triumphant victory occurred on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, where the Junior Warriors decisively defeated the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Cubs with a final score of 78-47 in Game 3 of the series.
This win marked a historic moment for UE, ending a nearly four-decade drought in the UAAP basketball championship.
The Junior Warriors showcased an impressive performance throughout the season, demonstrating skill and determination on the court.
The championship series was a best-of-three format, with both teams delivering competitive performances.
UST managed to secure a win in Game 1 with a score of 98-84, putting pressure on the Junior Warriors to respond.
UE answered the call in Game 2, coming back with a 76-70 victory, setting the stage for the decisive Game 3.
Key players for UE included Ethan Oraa and Enrico Bungar, who played crucial roles in the team’s success. Oraa contributed significantly with 13 points, while Bungar added 11 points to the scoreboard.
Their efforts were complemented by the strong defensive plays and teamwork displayed by the entire Junior Warriors squad.
The journey to the championship was not without challenges.
The Junior Warriors faced fierce competition from the UST Tiger Cubs, a team known for their athleticism and tenacity.
UST had shown resilience and skill throughout the tournament, making the championship series an intense battle between two determined teams.