Far Eastern University-Diliman's Cabs Cabonillas in action. UAAP Media

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University-Diliman stayed undefeated in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ 3x3 basketball tournament after escaping De La Salle-Zobel, 21-16, on Thursday in Parañaque City.

Cabs Cabonillas spearheaded the Baby Tamaraws’ attack, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds, including the game-winning basket with 38.7 seconds left, as FEU-Diliman improved to a perfect 4-0 record and took sole possession of the top spot.

Liam Salangsang and Marc Burgos chipped in seven and four points, respectively, to back up Cabonillas.

Meanwhile, Ateneo and Adamson kept pace with identical 3-1 records to remain tied for second place after pulling off thrilling victories over National University and University of Santo Tomas, respectively.

The Blue Eagles edged the Bullpups, 15-14, behind Ziv Espinas’ all-around effort of seven points and seven rebounds, while Earl Medina nailed the game-winning deuce in overtime, finishing with eight points.

“Siyempre, alam namin na kaya namin. Kung hindi namin maipakita yung talent namin dito, sayang yung tiwala na binigay sa amin lalo na hindi naging maganda yung pinakita namin sa 5-on-5,” said Espinas, reflecting on Ateneo’s last-place finish in the 5-on-5 tournament a few months back.

University of the Philippines Integrated School also stayed in contention with a 15-13 victory over University of the East. Jaime Gomez de Liano led the Junior Maroons with seven points and seven rebounds.

With the win, UPIS joined NUNS and UST in a three-way tie for fourth place, although the Bullpups hold the advantage via quotient.

The Girls’ 3x3 tournament also opened on Thursday, with defending champion NUNS and reigning 5-on-5 titlist UST both posting dominant wins over Ateneo (21-5) and DLSZ (20-5), respectively.

Aubrey Lapasaran exploded for 13 points on 8-of-11 shooting to lead the Lady Bullpups.

On the other hand, Rhianne Perez powered the Junior Tigresses with eight points and eight rebounds, while 5-on-5 MVP Barby Dajao contributed six points and 10 boards.

“Yung goal po namin is makuha yung championship. Malaking achievement kasi sa akin kung makuha namin yung double championship bago ako magpunta sa college,” said Dajao, who is playing in her final high school tournament before transitioning to the collegiate level.

In the junior high school boys’ division, Ateneo remained on top with a 4-0 record after trouncing NU, 21-5.

Sky Jazul led the way with seven points, while Q Molina added six. Zane Kallos had five points and five rebounds, and YJ Lacsamana chipped in three points to complete the Blue Eagles’ balanced effort, pushing them closer to a semifinal berth while dropping the Bullpups to 1-3.

UPIS and UST remained tied for second at 3-1. The Junior Maroons held off UE, 19-14, while the Junior Tiger Cubs cruised past winless Adamson, 21-12.

Jhustin Hallare starred for UPIS with 14 points and said after the game, “Our goal is to make it to the Final Four. We have a very good and strong lineup. We’re going for it. It’s gonna be very big for us in UPIS if we win this.”

FEU-Diliman also improved to 2-2, tying UE for fourth place following a 21-11 win over DLSZ. Prince Carino went a perfect 8-of-8 from the field en route to 11 points in the victory.