MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Far Easter University (FEU)-Diliman found the back of the net twice in the first half to repulse National University (NU), 2-0, in the UAAP Season 80 juniors football tournament on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The victory put the Baby Tamaraws closer to securing a finals berth in the competition.

Gio Pabualan was responsible for both goals, as he scored in the 16th and 37th minute.

The Baby Tamaraws now have a league-best 16 points.

The brace gave Pabualan nine goals in the season, allowing him to surpass teammate Keith Absalon as the league’s leading goal scorer. Absalon currently has eight goals.

FEU-Diliman just needs draws in its last two matches to advance to the championship game, scheduled for February 3.

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Meanwhile,De La Salle-Zobel boosted its hopes for the other finals berth with a masterful 9-1 dismantling of Ateneo de Manila University.

The Junior Archers are now level with the Bullpups in second spot with 13 points, but the Muntinlupa-based booters are way ahead in goal difference.

Joshua San Diego produced a hat-trick while Shanden Vergara, John Rhey Lagura and Sherwin Basindanan had braces for De La Salle-Zobel.

Justin Luis Uy delivered the lone goal for the Blue Eaglets, who are still at the bottom of the table without a point.

Action resumes on Sunday at the same Malate pitch, with NU taking on University of Santo Tomas at 8 a.m., followed by the 3 p.m. match between FEU-Diliman and Ateneo.

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